National Rugby League side Sydney Roosters signed financial services company Infinity Group Australia as a new commercial partner. Infinity Group Australia joins the Roosters as the club's new goal post and corner post sponsors for the next two years, starting in '16. The club also announced a senior partnership with int'l men's swimwear and underwear company aussieBum. AussieBum joined the club in an all-encompassing partnership as the Roosters' new front-of-shorts sponsor for the upcoming NRL season (Sydney Roosters).
FIRST SLEEVE: Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng Taishan signed a sponsorship deal with int'l "consumer finance provider Home Credit Group." The company, founded in the Czech Republic in '97, signed a three-year deal with the club. Financial details "have not been revealed" (SOCCEREX, 3/4).
ENGLAND HOCKEY: England Hockey and Investec announced Investec's extension as principal partner of Great Britain and England Hockey's women's game through to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The agreement maintains Investec's position as principal partner of the Great Britain and England women's teams, women's Hockey League, Schools Championships for girls and Investec London Cup -- an int'l invitational tournament (England Hockey).
MARKETING BRIEFS ...
Dacia has been confirmed as the principal partner of First Utility Super League's Magic Weekend. The announcement of the three-year deal highlights Dacia's involvement in Rugby League, with the car brand announcing its support for the Super League and the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup earlier this year (Rugby League).
Technology company Ricoh has been announced as an official partner of Scottish Pro12 side Glasgow Warriors. In addition, Glasgow full-back Peter Murchie will become the company's brand ambassador (Glasgow Warriors).
Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer was announced as the official timekeeper and watch for the Chinese Super League (Tag Heuer).
Australian Football League side St. Kilda announced the contract extension of co-principal partner Dare Iced Coffee. Dare Iced Coffee committed to the Saints for another three years, signing on until the end of '19 (Saints).
Foot Locker Europe recruited Real Madrid player Gareth Bale "as its newest ambassador." Bale will work with the brand on a "variety of different projects and branding initiatives over a 12 month period" (THE DRUM, 3/4).
