General Manager of Kukri Ireland, Terry Jackson said: “We’re delighted to reveal the new Ulster Rugby kit for the new season – the latest chapter in our fantastic, thriving 4 year partnership with the club. We’ve worked very hard with Ulster Rugby to develop the merchandise range for the 2012-13 season, and we couldn’t be happier with the result – we think the new kit looks fantastic and we hope the players and fans are as proud of it as we are.”
The home playing jersey will once again be predominantly white but the new design includes red panels on the shoulders and black piping on the sides. Ulster Rugby is proud to announce the continuation of Bank of Ireland as main jersey sponsor. The Belfast Telegraph will also continue with their jersey sponsorship whilst the shirt sleeves see new partner BT come on board as Official Communications Partner. The playing jersey is accompanied by matching white and red shorts and socks.
The black away jersey will give supporters a different look and provides a new dimension, with dark grey stripes across the front and bright yellow piping on the sides and sleeves. The jersey is complemented by black shorts and socks.
Fiona Hampton, Head of Sales & Marketing said: “The Ulster Rugby shirt has a huge amount of tradition associated with it, not only in its colours but also with its partners. We are delighted to announce new 3 year deals with both Bank of Ireland and Belfast Telegraph who have been proud sponsors for many years, as well as welcoming BT as a new shirt sponsor. Our sponsors play a key role in driving forward to achieve our ambitions and we would like to thank them for their support.”
Ciaran McGivern, Head of Business Banking NI at Bank of Ireland, said: “Bank of Ireland are delighted to continue their support of Ulster Rugby with the extension of our sponsorship agreement for another 3 years. We both have a strong and committed tradition of contributing to the communities in which we operate. We have been partners with Ulster Rugby for many years and the sponsorship is a great fit with Bank of Ireland. Ulster Rugby has had some great rugby moments over the last number of years and has some of the most dedicated and passionate supporters out there. We look forward to watching Ulster Rugby build on their successes last season and enjoying many more great rugby moments to come.”
Kingspan has also come on board as a new sponsor of the kit and its branding will be included on the back of the shorts and playing socks.
Philip Browne from Kingspan added: “Over recent years Kingspan Environmental, a Division of The Kingspan Group, a worldwide sustainable building solutions provider, have enjoyed a successful partnership with Ulster Rugby and have watched their development with interest. Kingspan Environmental are therefore delighted to be enhancing their involvement with Ulster Rugby to become one of their major branded sponsors. Kingspan Environmental are a developing force in GB, Ireland, Europe and further afield in their various market sectors and see benefit in working with a team that also has ambitious plans.”