Newport Gwent Dragons are delighted to announce a four-year deal with the world’s leading rugby sportswear manufacturer, Canterbury of New Zealand, who will supply the first team kit and training apparel from the beginning of the 2008/09 season.
As part of the deal Canterbury has also committed to fully supporting the Dragons academy, age grade teams and community projects aimed at developing rugby in the local area.
Gethin Jenkins, Chief Executive of the Newport Gwent Dragons, commented:
“This agreement with Canterbury reflects the continuing growth in confidence of the Dragons team and a partnership with a key rugby brand. Like Canterbury the Dragons are hard working and passionate about Rugby and committed to improving all aspects of their game.
“With leading innovators like Canterbury in partnership with us then this can only be good for the team. Likewise their commitment to help our academy, community and age grade teams will ensure continuing development of our emerging talent.”
Dragons players such as Kevin Morgan and Tom Willis will be wearing Canterbury’s IonX BaseLayer, a state-of-the-art range of garments that create a process of ionisation in the body, raising athletes’ performance levels and speeding up recovery time.
Mostyn Thomas, Marketing Director for Canterbury of New Zealand, commented:
“The deal with Newport Gwent Dragons brings together two brands that are looking to use technology and innovation in order to gain every available competitive edge on the field. Both Canterbury and Newport Gwent Dragons are companies with similar ambitions to grow and achieve success in the sporting arena, so this deal is seen by both parties as an ideal partnership.
Continuing he said: “The deal also represents Canterbury’s continued commitment to the leading sides in club and international rugby. We wish the team every success next season and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
The deal, which will incorporate first team kit as well as Canterbury’s revolutionary IonX BaseLayer garments, training wear and off field fashion, enhances Canterbury’s pool of endorsements with leading club and national sides in world rugby. The Canterbury stable currently includes World Cup winners South Africa, Magners League champions Leinster, Top 14 league leaders Claremont Auvergne and Guinness Premiership Playoff finalists London Wasps.
With over 100 years of heritage, Canterbury has been at the forefront of technologically advanced team wear in rugby for some time, with current kit deals in place with the rugby World Cup holders South Africa as well as Ireland, Scotland and Australia. The company entered the football market with FA Cup finalists Portsmouth FC this season and has also recently signed its first deals, in cricket with Yorkshire CCC and Hampshire CCC.
About Canterbury of New Zealand:
Canterbury of New Zealand was established in 1904 to manufacture and supply rugby jerseys to the New Zealand All Blacks. The company is now the world's largest and most technically advanced rugby brand and provides official playing strips to many of the world's top rugby teams including the South African, Australian, Irish and Scottish national teams. Beyond rugby, Canterbury has established itself as the market leader in sports performance apparel with Canterbury BaseLayer and other technical sports equipment now being worn by leading International athletes in the fields of golf, cricket, football, hockey and many more sports.
