Sports Direct is "launching a new teddy bear aimed at fans" of Scottish Premiership side Rangers, called "Timmy." The white bear is in a blue t-shirt with the Ibrox club’s badge, and is also available for fans of Newcastle United and Portsmouth. Rangers fans have "expressed their disbelief" at the name given to the £9.99 ($13.23) bear. The word "Tim" or "Timmy" is a term used by Celtic supporters to refer to themselves, and is "thought to stem from a Catholic gang" in the early 1900s in Glasgow led by "Tim Malloy" (SCOTSMAN, 10/25).
League of Ireland Premier Division side Derry City announced it will change to adidas playing kits and leisurewear for the next three years. The club partnered with House of Sport, one of the largest adidas suppliers in the U.K. and Ireland. Adidas will provide a range of kit and leisurewear to the club from the '18 season onward (Derry City).
World Rugby announced Gilbert as the official ball supplier for its premier 15s tournaments, including the men's and women's Rugby World Cups. Gilbert will bring its technical expertise to the game while supplying balls for development programs such as Get Into Rugby (World Rugby).
National Rugby League side St. George Illawarra Dragons announced XBlades as its official apparel partner on a multi-year deal. XBlades will supply the club's official playing jerseys, shorts and socks, as well as training and off-field apparel (St. George Illawarra).
The Volvo Ocean Race selected Great Circle-Squid as its marine and race weather provider. It marks the second consecutive time that Great Circle-Squid has been named the official weather provider of the Volvo Ocean Race (Volvo Ocean Race).
La Liga named Vitaldent the official dental clinic of the top flight and the Spanish second division. The agreement will be effective for the next two seasons. Vitaldent will have a presence at stadiums and in TV commercials (EXPANSIÓN, 10/24).
