This season will the last for the savings bank as title sponsor of the league, as it has been confirmed they have decided not to renew their sponsorship deal beyond May 2014.
“The partnership with the PRO12 has helped us achieve key business objectives and has been extremely beneficial, especially in terms of developing and communicating our brand values, connecting with rugby fans and giving us a platform to reward our customers,” said Tim Bicknell, General Manager at RaboDirect.
“Our commitment to the PRO12 will be the same this season, and we will continue to push the boundaries, innovate and bring our energy and expertise to the competition through a strong programme of activity. We are developing our business strategy for the next five years and the excellent results of this partnership has helped inform and influence our strategy for potential future partnerships.”
Chief Executive of Celtic Rugby, John Feehan, said: “Celtic Rugby would like to thank RaboDirect for its investment and support of the competition from the introduction in 2011 until the end of the upcoming season. The competition has grown hugely over the last few years and this season is set to be even better. The launch will kick start what we all expect will be another fascinating campaign.”
Why announce it now? Just before the start of the season?
Yes, I thought it was odd timing too. Perhaps to invite other potential sponsors to take a look at it as the limelight begins to fall on it?
“The competition has grown hugely over the last few years” … ha ha ha ha … and I say that as a Blues fan.
Rabobank is winding down a number of business lines, the structured product desk I work with is closing too. It is a shame but because of wider business decisions.