Gallagher’s global company values have run through the heart of the partnership from its inception, going beyond its investment in the professional game. Since 2018, Gallagher has co-funded Premiership Rugby’s award-winning community programme, Project Rugby, which has seen more than 100,000 young people engage in the sport across England.
The programme focuses on the recruitment of participants from underrepresented groups, these include women and girls, people with disabilities, and those from ethnically diverse or lower-social economic backgrounds.
Independent research shows that 84% of participants want to play more rugby, with over 150 grassroots clubs benefitting from new players.
Christopher E. Mead, Chief Marketing Officer of Gallagher, said: “We are thrilled to reinforce our commitment to English rugby by renewing our contract as title partner of Premiership Rugby for three more years. Gallagher Premiership Rugby provides action and excitement like no other game in our view and we want to continue to play our part in the future growth of the game and the aspirations for the league that the team has set out.
“In times of change trusted partnerships are fundamental to success, be that in sport or business, and we continue to support this fantastic sport with our unwavering commitment. At Gallagher we are committed to supporting the communities in which our clients live and work and we stand shoulder to shoulder with all rugby clubs and fans as we move into the next chapter.”
Michael Rea, CEO of Gallagher in the UK, added: “I am delighted to renew and extend our partnership with Premiership Rugby. Our relationship over the past six seasons has helped to take the game of rugby to new viewers and participants, from all walks of life, something which we are very proud of. For our business, the partnership has helped us to expand the Gallagher name, interact with rugby at all levels of the game, and build a great bond with the rugby community.”
Simon Massie-Taylor, Premiership Rugby Chief Executive Officer, said: “Gallagher has been an incredible partner to Premiership Rugby, and all of our clubs, over the past six years. And this new extension provides important, long-term support for the sport as we write a new chapter together.
“Gallagher and its leadership have demonstrated real commitment and passion for growing the league and we could not have asked for more from a title partner. So I speak on the behalf of everyone at Premiership Rugby and all of our clubs when I say how delighted we are to have renewed our title partnership with Gallagher. We look forward to what we can achieve in what will become a decade together in what is fast-becoming one of the most successful partnerships in sport.”
