New Zealand bread brand Molenberg signed a "historic" sponsorship deal with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens, according to the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. New Zealand Rugby's two "flagship national women's teams" will feature the Molenberg logo on their playing and training shorts for the next two years. The partnership follows the announcement of NZR's first professional contracts for women and "marks the first standalone corporate sponsorship" of the five-time world champion Black Ferns and the reigning Rugby World Cup Sevens champion Black Ferns Sevens. NZR CEO Steve Tew said that Molenberg's sponsorship "reflected the ongoing success and growing popularity of women's rugby." Tew: "The number of women playing rugby in New Zealand and around the world continues to grow and it is fantastic to see that growth being complemented by another sponsor alongside major partners adidas and AIG" (NZ HERALD, 6/19). 1NEWS reported Black Ferns captain Fiao’o Faamusili said that it is "a proud moment for women’s rugby." Fa'mausili: "It's pretty amazing to have Molenberg on our backs. ... To have Molenberg support us is a big deal" (1NEWS, 6/19).
