The RFL and Gillette are delighted to announce a two-year extension of the brand’s decade-long partnership with the sport and the England Rugby League team.
This will see Gillette continue as England’s main sponsor for Rugby League World Cup 2013, when its logo will feature on the national team’s playing strip.
The partnership also enters its second decade with a fresh focus and significant investment from Gillette to improve the quality of coaching at the grassroots of Rugby League in the UK.
The agreement comes as a boost ahead of the RLWC2013 and the Gillette-funded coaching programme is designed capitalise on the excitement of the home World Cup, increasing the standard of youth development, resulting in a better quality of home grown players to progress into the England ranks.
England coach Steve McNamara said: “I am absolutely delighted that Gillette has extended its partnership for a further two years because they have become an important part of all we are trying to achieve in 2013 and beyond.
“Their sponsorship is really appreciated by all the players and it’s great that the benefits of this partnership are now going to be felt across all levels of the game as we work together to develop both great coaches and great players.”
RFL Director of Performance and Coaching Jon Roberts said: “Our ultimate goal in 2013 is to win the Rugby League World Cup but the need to support and develop the next generation of talent is always in our focus.
“There is a clear need to identify, train, and develop specialist youth coaches who are experts at coaching children. Through the improvement of coaches we will develop a better quality of player to progress into the England ranks. With Gillette’s support we are raising the profile and value placed on coaches to ensure we develop the next generation of player.”
The coaching programme aims to increase the number of quality 12- to 16-year-old Rugby League players through the education and training of 120 specialist children’s coaches. Gillette’s commitment to invest in RL coaches is part of The Great Start Programme, which aims to celebrate and encourage the coaches who will inspire the next generation of England stars.
The partnership has a long-term vision as the RFL and Gillette understands without the tireless efforts of coaches and educators, the next generation would not be inspired to pursue careers in sport and new talent would remain undiscovered.
Gillette brand manager, Jared Regan, commented: “We’ve been partners of the RFL since 2003 and have been involved significantly in the growth of their grassroots programmes across the country as well with the elite level of the game.
“Aside from supporting the England international side, we understand the importance of funding and promoting the RFL’s grassroots programmes.
“This is something we are extremely passionate about; the future of the sport is reliant on the provision of top class community coaching and facilities and we are proud of the work that is been done since 2003 to support this.”
