The RFL is delighted to unveil Tetley’s as the new title sponsor of the world’s oldest and most prestigious Rugby League competition, the Challenge Cup.
For the 2013 and 2014 seasons, the tournament will be known as The Tetley’s Challenge Cup and various new sponsorship initiatives will be created to support this exciting new partnership.
As well as putting their name to the Tetley’s Challenge Cup, Tetley’s will also become the Official Beer of Super League for the next two seasons.
Tetley’s were title sponsors of Super League between 2000 and 2004 and RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood is delighted to welcome back one of the country’s most recognisable brands as a major partner.
“It is an exciting new era for the sport of Rugby League,” said Wood. “Tetley’s is a dynamic national brand with a wonderful vision for Rugby League and its activation around the partnership.
“The television coverage of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup on the BBC and Sky Sports will deliver a robust platform for both parties to continue to build on the popularity of this historic competition.”
Carlsberg UK Communications Director Bruce Ray said: “The Tetley’s brand has a long association with the RFL and we are delighted to announce these new sponsorships. They will provide us with a platform with which to connect with consumers and Rugby League fans driving greater engagement with the Tetley’s brand.
“These sponsorships will generate increased awareness of the Tetley’s brand and will also provide unique opportunities for consumers and customers to engage in the sponsorships through competitions and promotions.
“We will also be continuing our partnership with Help for Heroes and will be leveraging our Tetley’s Challenge Cup sponsorship to support the fundraising effort for the charity which is close to many people’s hearts.”
The new sponsorship was unveiled at Wembley today with the help of Martin Offiah, whose try for Wigan against Leeds in the 1994 Challenge Cup final is regarded as the greatest in the competition’s history.
Martin Offiah said: “Tetley’s new sponsorship of the Challenge Cup is great news for Rugby League.
“Every player dreams of lifting the Challenge Cup at Wembley and being part of the magical atmosphere of one of the nation’s greatest sporting occasions.
“I will always treasure the finals I played in among the greatest achievements in my career and I also know just how much it means to the all the fans, who create such a wonderful family atmosphere every year, to cheer their team on to victory at Wembley.”
RFL Commercial Director James Mercer said: “This is the latest of a number of new sponsorship deals we are announcing throughout January which I am sure all Rugby League supporters will welcome. We are excited about the sport developing a real family of partners.”
Tickets for the 2013 Tetley’s Challenge Cup final which takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 24 are now on sale. Visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or call 0844 856 1113 for full details.
Pictured above are Carlsberg UK Communications Director Bruce Ray, Martin Offiah and RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood with the Tetley’s Challenge Cup at Wembley today.
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is the world’s oldest Rugby League competition and was first contested in 1897, when Batley defeated St Helens in the final.
The competition features teams from Super League, the Championships, the community game, Student Rugby League and Armed Forces and climaxes every year in a showcase final at Wembley Stadium.
For more information visit www.thechallengecup.com
Tetley’s Sponsorship
Tetley’s has a long association with the Rugby League becoming one of the first sponsors of the Rugby Football League in the 1971 – 72 season. Tetley’s was the title sponsor of the Super League from 2000 – 2004 and has remained a key sponsor within Rugby League through Official Beer sponsorships of many clubs.
Help for Heroes
Tetley’s is a commercial partner of Help for Heroes. In 2012 Tetley’s raised over £116,000 for Help for Heroes through sales of a new limited edition ale, promotional Smoothflow packs and local fundraising events. The new sponsorship platforms with the Rugby Football League will provide a range of fundraising opportunities and events across the 2013 & 2014 seasons. For more information please visit www.tetleysraiseaglass.co.uk
