Super Rugby side ACT Brumbies moved to "lock in its financial future" by finalizing a deal with major sponsor Aquis, despite fears that the partnership "would hinge on the result of the ACT election," according to Chris Dutton of the CANBERRA TIMES. Aquis has committed to the '17 Super Rugby campaign and "there are clauses in the contract that could trigger extensions" until the end of '20. Aquis signed an A$8M ($6M), six-year deal at the start of '15 but the original deal had "certain activation clauses to continue the agreement." Aquis committed to the Brumbies "with the view of being part of a future Civic redevelopment with rights to revamp the Canberra Casino." The landscape for redevelopments "could change if there is a voting swing at the election on Saturday." It was revealed in May that Aquis had an option to "exit the deal this year to allow the company to take into account the government's decision on poker machines." But despite a year "plagued by off-field drama" and CEO Michael Jones leaving the club, Aquis is standing by the Brumbies (CANBERRA TIMES, 10/14).
