Crusaders announce BNZ as naming rights sponsor

Jul 19 • General News, Super Rugby, Super Rugby News • 2350 Views • Comments Off on Crusaders announce BNZ as naming rights sponsor

In what is a New Zealand Super Rugby first, the Crusaders will be referred to as the ‘BNZ Crusaders’ from 2016 onwards. The Crusaders have today announced the signing of a significant new sponsorship agreement, with BNZ confirmed as the new naming rights sponsor of the Crusaders Super Rugby team, from 2016.

Currently, BNZ is the Crusaders’ principal partner, as part of an NZRU managed relationship across all five New Zealand Super Rugby teams.

BNZ CEO, Andrew Thorburn, said the bank was proud to be supporting one of New Zealand’s most prominent and successful rugby teams.

“BNZ is committed to being actively involved in the future of Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. Sponsoring the Crusaders is one way we can continue to show our support for the city, the region and the rebuild. The Crusaders are an integral part of the fabric of the Canterbury community and this partnership further cements our commitment to supporting the future of rugby and of Christchurch.”

The sponsorship deal will see BNZ secure naming rights of the Crusaders from 2016 onwards while also retaining all of the rights BNZ currently enjoys, such as having its brand on the front of the Crusaders jersey.

Crusaders Chief Executive Hamish Riach is delighted that BNZ has chosen to further advance its partnership with the Crusaders. “This is a significant long term investment and a great reflection of BNZ’s confidence in the future of Christchurch and the Crusaders. We are delighted that an organisation of BNZ’s standing has chosen the Crusaders to continue to showcase the BNZ brand.”

“BNZ is a solid New Zealand institution, they are continually striving for excellence and are champions for and enablers of a high achieving, successful New Zealand. Attributes that are not dissimilar to those for which the Crusaders strive. We are excited about what we can both achieve in the coming years through this successful partnership.”

The sponsorship deal is effective from 2016 and is the start of an exciting and momentous chapter in the continuing evolution and success of the Crusaders.