NZRU, Pink Batts Sponsorship Deal Will See Referees Dress Out In Pink

New Zealand's rugby referees "will be stepping out in pink this year" due to a three-year sponsorship deal the New Zealand Rugby Union announced Monday, according to TVNZ. Insulation company Pink Batts will sponsor New Zealand's referees for the Investec Super Rugby, ITM Cup and renamed Pink Batts Heartland Championship. The "new pink strip will makes a debut next weekend" in round two of Super Rugby when the Highlanders host reigning champions, the Chiefs in Dunedin and the Hurricanes host the Blues in Wellington. The uniform will carry the catch-line "Another Good Call." The Heartland Championship has not had a title sponsor "for some years." NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the new agreement "will certainly help the profile of what is an important tier in our domestic competitions" (TVNZ, 2/11).