A partnership first struck between a North Yorkshire brewery and a local rugby club more 50 years ago has gone into extra time.
For T&R Theakston Ltd has continued its sponsorship of Ripon Rugby Club – thought to be one of the longest continual sporting sponsorships in the country for a further three years.
Under the new deal, the Masham-based brewer will continue to have its name emblazoned across the front of the players’s shirts and its beers will be sold in the clubhouse, which has recently undergone a £70,000 facelift.
In addition, the company logo will also appear on the exterior of the clubhouse, on the scoreboard, ground signs and player’s training pads.
T&R Theakston Ltd executive director Simon Theakston said:
We are delighted to have renewed our partnership with Ripon Rugby Club, which was first started in the 1950s.
This was our very first commercial sponsorship, and, 55 years later, it is still going strong. We believe it is also one of the longest continual sporting sponsorships in the country.
Like us, Ripon Rugby Club has a long and proud tradition, and we are thrilled that the players will continue to sport our name on their shirts.
And, once the final whistle has blown, players and supports alike can retreat into the wonderful, new look clubhouse, for a well deserved pint of Theakston’s cask ale.
Ripon Rugby Club President Tim Wray, who captained the club from 1973-1978 – said:
Having Theakston’s renewing its sponsorship for another three years is fantastic news for the club.
We have invested heavily in our clubhouse and sponsorship is key to our ongoing success.
Having the Theakston name associated with us for another three years is certainly something I will raise a glass to!
