EXCLUSIVE: The per-season figure of the Premiership's multi-million pound sponsorship deal revealed

English rugby’s top teams have agreed a £40m four-year sponsorship deal with Gallagher, one of the biggest insurance companies in the world.

The strategic business and marketing partnership begins in September with Gallagher becoming the official title sponsor of Premiership Rugby. The deal comes at a time when England’s top 12 teams are facing increasing financial problems with Saracens, London Irish and Worcester all looking for major investors to help cut massive losses.

RugbyPass understands the deal could be worth £10m a year and eclipses the £5m a year Aviva paid over their eight-year backing for English rugby and the increase reflects a significant new digital element.

Arthur J Gallagher & Co has 50 branches in the UK and more than 4,000 employees and also has a presence in other major rugby playing nations. Premiership rugby will be hoping to use the US-based company’s links to finally make a significant impact in North America. Gallagher join a packed field of insurance companies who believe rugby is the best platform to boost their business.

Aviva still have the naming rights to Ireland’s national rugby stadium in Dublin while Allianz has a strong presence with reigning European champions Saracens and AIG have their name on the All Blacks jersey.

Mark McCafferty, Chief Executive of Premiership Rugby, said: “The international expansion of Premiership Rugby has been accelerated in recent years and it is fitting that we are now partnering with a global company with an equally strong presence here in the UK. Gallagher will be an excellent partner for us in terms of the group’s ambition, focus on growth and shared values around both business and the community.

“The last decade has seen major growth in Premiership Rugby’s fan base and it is a huge credit to our clubs – and the way they have grown their businesses – that we can announce this new partnership today. We are very much looking forward to the first matches of Gallagher Premiership Rugby in September.

“We’d also like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Aviva for our eight-year partnership which is one of the longest-running and most successful title partnerships in British sport.”

J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Gallagher said; “By uniting with this globally-known and fast growing franchise, we have a terrific opportunity to increase awareness about our company, values, expertise and services, and jointly participate in community projects and causes to make a difference. This dynamic business and marketing partnership with Premiership Rugby reflects who we are culturally and professionally. We’re looking forward to kicking-off the inaugural Gallagher Premiership Rugby season in late August.

Christopher E. Mead, Chief Marketing Officer of Gallagher added: “Gallagher is larger and stronger than it has ever been in our 90-year history in terms of sector expertise and innovative solutions. Coming off of our recent brand refresh, now is the time to amplify our brand, showcase our client solutions and differentiate Gallagher in the global marketplace through partnerships like Premiership Rugby that have broad appeal and deep community connections.”

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