Another financial institution has "thrown its support behind rugby in New Zealand," in the wake of All Blacks player Sonny Bill Williams covering up a bank logo on his Blues jersey, according to Ben Hill of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. ASB, already an All Blacks sponsor, announced "it will sponsor this year's Lions tour." ASB Exec Marketing GM Roger Beaumont said that under the terms of its contract with New Zealand Rugby, the sporting body allocated players to sponsors for promotional purposes, "so which individual players we use is not something we have any influence over." He said, "We are aware of the conscientious objection clause for some players' contracts and respect the fact that there will be players with diverse backgrounds and beliefs." In addition to sponsoring the tour, ASB will be the sponsor of the 500-strong group of volunteers who will "assist in running the series, and will be giving more than 25 student rugby players a chance to attend a pre-match captain's run and a leadership breakfast with former All Blacks" (NZ HERALD, 4/12).
SONNY BILL SPEAKS: The NZ HERALD reported in a New Zealand Rugby statement, Williams, a practicing Muslim, "clarified his preference was to avoid wearing logos from banks, alcohol brands and gambling sponsors on his team uniform." He said, "I want to be clear that this is nothing personal against the BNZ or Investec. My objection to wearing clothing that markets banks, alcohol and gambling companies is central to my religious beliefs and it is important to me to have been granted this exemption. As I learn more and develop a deeper understanding of my faith, I am no longer comfortable doing things I used to do" (NZ HERALD, 4/12).
