Rugby AU to partner with Land Rover

Rugby Australia has announced a new partnership with motor company Land Rover.

The three-year deal will run until the end of 2020, in a much-needed boost for Australian rugby after a turbulent 2017.

As part of the deal, Land Rover's logo will appear on all Test match balls in Australia and on the back of the Wallabies' shorts.

Rugby AU parted ways with BMW at the end of last year, after a two-year sponsorship deal, before securing Land Rover.

Land Rover has a strong history with rugby, currently a Brumbies sponsor and a sponsor for Aussie Sevens player Charlotte Caslick, as well as partnerships with Shute Shield club Sydney Uni.

Internationally, they are partnered with the Rugby World Cup and the British and Irish Lions. 

Rugby Australia announced the new deal on Friday morning, with CEO Raelene Castle saying it was 'just the start' for the two companies.

"Land Rover have been fantastic supporters of Australian Rugby for several years through their partnerships at Super Rugby level and we are thrilled that they have extended this association to the Wallabies but also at Shute Shield level through Sydney University," she said.

“This partnership will be incredibly beneficial for our Wallabies program and the synergies between the two brands run deep. Both pride themselves on performance and precision and that permeates through everything they do.

“Today’s announcement is just the start. We are looking forward to working with Land Rover to build a long and successful partnership that benefits both organisations for many years to come.”

The Wallabies play their first 2018 Test against Ireland on Saturday June 9 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.