New path for WP Rugby and adidas

Oct 31 • General News, National • 3182 Views • Comments Off on New path for WP Rugby and adidas

The established partnership between Western Province Rugby and apparel sponsor adidas will take on a new direction as of the end of this year.

The association between WP Rugby and adidas stretches back more than 30 years, with the current agreement between the two parties coming to an end on October 31.

adidas will continue as Western Province Rugby’s footwear partner, while WP Rugby will now take over the apparel, merchandising and retail programmes, which is in line with its turnaround strategy.

Western Province Rugby Group CEO Paul Zacks has extensive experience in apparel manufacturing, distribution, licensing and retail, which provides the union with an opportunity to be innovative and lead the way in maximising their commercial opportunities and revenue streams.

“adidas has been a valued partner to Western Province Rugby and they remain our choice as preferred footwear partner. But we are also very excited about the possibilities going forward as we explore the new opportunities that lie in our own apparel ranges, in line with our turnaround strategy.

“The result of these innovative changes is that there will be a host of new ways in which the DHL Newlands Faithful can show their unrivalled passion for our teams,” he said.

Roddy van Breda, Managing Director of adidas SA, commented: “The relationship between adidas and Western Province dates back to the days before rugby became a professional sport and it has been a fantastic and memorable partnership. The time has come for us to adjust our direction and we look forward to helping the union’s various representative teams win even more trophies in the future.”

President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, Mr Thelo Wakefield, believes the changes signal an exciting new chapter for Western Province Rugby.

“This is an exciting time for WP Rugby as we look to forge our own future while still continuing our proud association with adidas,” he said.