Indigo Group, a Welsh-based company that specialises in the contracting, outsourced payroll and umbrella industry has been named as the title sponsor for the new-look, 12-team Welsh Premiership – that includes Newport and Ebbw Vale from our region.
The sponsorship news is a boost for the Premiership on the back of Specsavers’ backing of the WRU National Leagues and Cup.
There is further good news with the confirmation that last season’s top six Premiership clubs (Merthyr, Cardiff, Pontypridd, Llandovery, Ebbw Vale, Aberavon), will participate in a cross-border competition with Scottish Super6 clubs which will take place at the conclusion of the forthcoming season along with strong indication from all parties that last season’s extensive live television coverage of the Indigo Group Premiership will continue next season.
WRU Group Chief Executive Martyn Phillips said, “We are thrilled to welcome Indigo Group on board as Premiership title sponsors. Their energy, and the profile they will bring to the clubs and competition, will provide a significant boost to the new-look league, along with the continued high level of live television coverage and the prospect of a new cross-border competition.
“Moving to a 12-team competition will concentrate playing and coaching resources with the aim of improving standards and the re-introduction of promotion and relegation will add jeopardy to the competition. The primary purpose of the Indigo Group Premiership is for clubs to represent their communities in striving to become the best club in Wales. The league also provides the opportunity for emerging professionals to get valuable game time in a hard fought and competitive league.”
WRU Community Director Geraint John added, “We have worked closely with the Premiership clubs to secure the best possible scenario for all and we are excited at the prospect of watching the results of these changes on the Indigo Premiership this season. The clubs can look forward to a stable League structure with the added incentive of cross-border rugby at the end of the season.”
Jonathan Jones, Chairman of the Premiership Clubs commented “As a Premiership group of teams we are delighted with the faith and investment shown by the new sponsor Indigo Group and the continued support of broadcasters BBC and S4C, all of which are significant brands and now stakeholders in the Premiership.
“This is further endorsement of both the quality of rugby and development pathway that the Indigo Group Premiership provides for players, coaches and referees as well as truly representing the geography of Wales and its communities.
“And now with the prospect of playing cross boarder competition against the newly formed semi-professional teams from Scotland further raises the competition level and profile of the Indigo Group Premiership, which has already played a major role in the development of the game in Wales over the last 15 years.
“We look forward to working alongside our stakeholders and the WRU in investing and developing the league further in line with these exciting opportunities”.
Fixtures released for 2019/20
The Indigo Group Premiership season will get an explosive start with a string of local derbies set to light up the fixture list as Newport head to Ebbw Vale’s Eugene Cross Park. There will be one more round of Indigo Premiership matches in September and then three in October.
There will be automatic relegation for one Indigo Group Premiership club – providing the winner of the Specsavers Championship meets the A Licence criteria.
The Round One draw for Specsavers Cup
One of the all-Premiership fixtures in round one will see Newport host Carmarthen Quins at Rodney Parade while Narbeth will visit Eugene Cross Park to meet Ebbw Vale.
TATA Steel will play Bedwas, Beddau face Bridgend and Glamorgan Wanderers’ visit to Cross Keys completed the draw.
For full Premiership fixtures click HERE
