30 October 2017
Bank of Ireland marked its 20-year sponsorship of Ulster Rugby on Saturday with a host of celebrations at the Kingspan Stadium. The festivities included Ulster jersey giveaways, circus performers, pyrotechnics and the launch of a VIP fan competition to see Ulster play in South Africa next year.
Over the last 20 years, Bank of Ireland has been a platinum sponsor of Ulster Rugby and has forged a highly successful relationship with the management, administration and the team. Bank of Ireland has been a key partner of Ulster Rugby and watched it develop into the highly professional team it is today.
Ian Sheppard, Regional Director NI Bank of Ireland UK, said: “Our relationship with Ulster Rugby is a source of great pride for Bank of Ireland.
“Our partnership showcases our brand beside a team that embodies passion, pride and professionalism and as a sponsor that is all you could ever ask for. We’re proud of the unstinting commitment Ulster Rugby has to the development of the game and the excitement they continue to bring to their many fans.”
Bank of Ireland became the first ever £1million plus sponsor of a sporting team in Northern Ireland when it secured a deal to be the main Ulster Rugby jersey sponsor for three years from 2006.
Fiona Hampton, Head of Sales and Marketing at Ulster Rugby said, “We value enormously the relationship we have with Bank of Ireland and are proud of the many memories we’ve created together. The bank are a major partner in every sense of the word and their sponsorship has allowed us to develop and build the successful team we have today.
“From a side that was dominated by part-time players in the early days, Ulster Rugby now runs a full-time professional team with a supporting structure underneath it to ensure the development of the game.”
To mark the milestone, Bank of Ireland is offering one fan the chance to win an exhilarating trip to South Africa to watch Ulster Rugby play a Guinness PRO14 match. Fans are being asked to submit a photo or video showing their favourite iconic Ulster Rugby moment over the past 20 years by sharing on social media using the hashtag #showURsupport or emailing standup@ulsterrugby.com.
Celebrations kicked off at Saturday’s game [28th October] versus Leinster when team captain and Irish Rugby star, Rory Best received his 200th cap for Ulster Rugby. Fans enjoyed the chance to win Ulster jerseys and players took to the pitch with a pyrotechnic display to build excitement ahead of the game.
For more information about the South African platinum prize competition, visit www.ulsterrugby.com/news, T&Cs apply.
Bank of Ireland marked its 20-year sponsorship of Ulster Rugby on Saturday with a host of celebrations at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Pictured at Kingspan is Ulster players Iain Henderson, Tommy Bowe and Darren Cave with Fiona Hampton, Head of Sales and Marketing at Ulster Rugby and Ian Sheppard, Regional Director NI, Bank of Ireland UK.
Notes for editors:
Jim Neilly, Stephen Ferris, Bryn Cunningham, Rory Best and Ian Sheppard discuss their favourite Ulster Rugby memories from the past 20 years:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NXPHCgvz9I&feature=youtu.be
For more information please contact Smarts Communicate:
Rachel Sinton or Hannah Irwin (Smarts Communicate)
Rachel.sinton@smartscommunicate.com / Hannah.irwin@smartscommunicate.com
02890395533/02890395554