Damn well done by the NZRFU... more proof the the All Blacks brand is a world sport brand
Stolen from stuff.... http://www.stuff.co.nz/4777130a1823.html
NZRU and adidas sign 'rugby's biggest deal'
By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE in London - Fairfax Media | Saturday, 29 November 2008
The New Zealand Rugby Union and global sporting giant adidas have extended their sponsorship arrangement through to 2019 in what Steve Tew claims to be rugby's biggest deal.
Negotiations began during the Beijing Olympics and the deal was confirmed at a glitzy press conference at the All Blacks' hotel in London on the eve of their test against England where they are looking to achieve a Grand Slam.
Tew, the NZRU's chief executive, said commercial reasons meant the actual value of the sponsorship deal couldn't be revealed but he left it in no uncertain terms that it was major.
"We are very confident that we are future-proof with this contract," said Tew, adding that there would be "uplifts" in 2012 and 2016.
"Our estimate, with some confidence, is that it's the biggest sports sponsorship in New Zealand and I would be very surprised if there is a bigger rugby sponsorship in the world today."
The NZRU are delighted to have struck a deal of this length and magnitude at a time when the world is in the grip of a financial crisis.
"It's a nice message that we are able to carry on and do a deal at times like these because clearly everybody in the world is going through a tough time," said Tew.
Herbert Hainer, chairman and CEO of adidas, believed the deal was the way forward.
"We believe that the message to the world is that as tough as times are at the moment and everybody is trying to cut back and save money, we have clearly said in our company that we have to be diverse. We have to look at our costs but we also have to invest," he said.
"Life will continue and we will go through the crisis.
"Both adidas and the All Blacks have a wonderful rich sporting heritage and we look forward to bringing that heritage to new rugby markets worldwide. We are both about excellence."
Adidas have sponsored the All Blacks since 1999 and together with broadcaster News Ltd provide the bulk of the NZRU's income.
The deal includes the supply of apparel, boots and balls and extends to the five Super 14 franchises.
The extension is the second the NZRU have secured and Tew said he was delighted with "the length and value of this extremely important relationship".
"The funding from this agreement is critical to the NZRU's ability to fund rugby initiatives including franchise and provincial union rugby, community rugby investments and retaining our top professional players in New Zealand," he said.
There will be immediate benefits for adidas.
After their test with England 15 players will head to Europe. Some will visit the adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany and others will got to Italy to visit another major sponsor Iveco.
They will then come together in Milan where they will be involved in two days of activities with the famous AC Milan soccer club which are also sponsored by adidas.
The activities will include a hybrid rugby-soccer game involving kicking and passing skills.
The All Blacks players will also be given a tour of Milan by their footballing counterparts who include Brazilian stars Kaka and Ronaldinho.
Current All Blacks Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Ali Williams and former test star Jonah Lomu have individual sponsorships with adidas
Stolen from stuff.... http://www.stuff.co.nz/4777130a1823.html
NZRU and adidas sign 'rugby's biggest deal'
By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE in London - Fairfax Media | Saturday, 29 November 2008
The New Zealand Rugby Union and global sporting giant adidas have extended their sponsorship arrangement through to 2019 in what Steve Tew claims to be rugby's biggest deal.
Negotiations began during the Beijing Olympics and the deal was confirmed at a glitzy press conference at the All Blacks' hotel in London on the eve of their test against England where they are looking to achieve a Grand Slam.
Tew, the NZRU's chief executive, said commercial reasons meant the actual value of the sponsorship deal couldn't be revealed but he left it in no uncertain terms that it was major.
"We are very confident that we are future-proof with this contract," said Tew, adding that there would be "uplifts" in 2012 and 2016.
"Our estimate, with some confidence, is that it's the biggest sports sponsorship in New Zealand and I would be very surprised if there is a bigger rugby sponsorship in the world today."
The NZRU are delighted to have struck a deal of this length and magnitude at a time when the world is in the grip of a financial crisis.
"It's a nice message that we are able to carry on and do a deal at times like these because clearly everybody in the world is going through a tough time," said Tew.
Herbert Hainer, chairman and CEO of adidas, believed the deal was the way forward.
"We believe that the message to the world is that as tough as times are at the moment and everybody is trying to cut back and save money, we have clearly said in our company that we have to be diverse. We have to look at our costs but we also have to invest," he said.
"Life will continue and we will go through the crisis.
"Both adidas and the All Blacks have a wonderful rich sporting heritage and we look forward to bringing that heritage to new rugby markets worldwide. We are both about excellence."
Adidas have sponsored the All Blacks since 1999 and together with broadcaster News Ltd provide the bulk of the NZRU's income.
The deal includes the supply of apparel, boots and balls and extends to the five Super 14 franchises.
The extension is the second the NZRU have secured and Tew said he was delighted with "the length and value of this extremely important relationship".
"The funding from this agreement is critical to the NZRU's ability to fund rugby initiatives including franchise and provincial union rugby, community rugby investments and retaining our top professional players in New Zealand," he said.
There will be immediate benefits for adidas.
After their test with England 15 players will head to Europe. Some will visit the adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany and others will got to Italy to visit another major sponsor Iveco.
They will then come together in Milan where they will be involved in two days of activities with the famous AC Milan soccer club which are also sponsored by adidas.
The activities will include a hybrid rugby-soccer game involving kicking and passing skills.
The All Blacks players will also be given a tour of Milan by their footballing counterparts who include Brazilian stars Kaka and Ronaldinho.
Current All Blacks Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Ali Williams and former test star Jonah Lomu have individual sponsorships with adidas
<--- thats supposed to be a pukana
