Rugby Australia has today announced a six-year extension of its partnership with ASICS, the official apparel and footwear supplier of Australia’s national Rugby teams.
Having initially joined forces in 2014, the new deal between ASICS and Rugby Australia will carry the partnership through to the end of 2025.
The long-term deal will see the Qantas Wallabies wear ASICS not only at next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, but also for the 2023 tournament in France and right through until the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia.
The Qantas Australian Women’s and Men’s Sevens teams will don the iconic brand for their Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games campaign, and the Buildcorp Wallaroos will wear ASICS in a potential home-soil Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign in 2023.
ASICS will also continue to kit out the Australian Under 20s and Australian Schools and Under 18 teams.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “Through this partnership extension ASICS has given a strong vote of confidence in Australian Rugby by committing for the long haul as we look forward to a number of exciting major tournaments and tours over the coming years.
“Our athletes are proud to wear the ASICS brand and we are delighted that we can continue to work with ASICS to carry on the traditions of our game and elevate the performance of our national teams.”
Managing Director of ASICS Oceania, Mark Brunton said: “We are delighted to be extending our agreement with Rugby Australia for a further six years. Rugby has rich history in Australia and we are very proud to be part of that.
“Our partnership will allow ASICS to continue to work with Rugby across all levels, from the Schoolboy pathways, our world class Sevens teams and the Wallaroos, through to the pinnacle of rugby in Australia, the Qantas Wallabies. We are excited by the opportunity to showcase our innovative designs in performance apparel and sporting footwear at the highest level through Rugby on the local and global stage.”
Qantas Wallabies back, Israel Folau said: “I’m really happy that Rugby Australia and ASICS are continuing their partnership. ASICS has been a huge supporter of Rugby in Australia, not only the Wallabies, but also the Wallaroos, Under 20s and Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams.
“The technology in the product is second to none and it’s exciting for Rugby Australia to be working with such an innovative company as we look to next year and beyond.”