The Golden Lions also known as the MTN Golden Lions have received a huge setback after soft drinks giant Coca-Cola pulled it’s naming rights for the Rugby clubs stadium after four years with the club.

The Lions home stadium Ellis Park has been known as Coca-Cola Park since 2008 but the Lions are now referring to the stadium a as Ellis Park – and not Coca-Cola Park.

A Lions press release this week referred to the stadium as Ellis Park and reports then followed confirming that Coca-Cola had ended their R12m-a-year deal in December last year.

The Lions then released a statement confirming that beverage company Coca-Cola had chosen not to renew their naming rights sponsorship of Ellis Park Stadium.

“We deliberated on this issue long and hard as (our sponsorship) has been a mutually beneficial association,” said Craig van Niekerk, Marketing Assets Manager at Coca-Cola South Africa.

“We have however evaluated our portfolio of assets and, for the next few years, our strategy will focus on youth sports development.”

“We wish the Golden Lions Rugby Union all the best in their future endeavours.”

The Barbarian Football Club has appointed Rhino Rugby as official teamwear and clothing supplier for its summer tour in 2013.

The two-match tour kicks-off with the annual fixture against England at Twickenham on Sunday 26 May and concludes with a high profile clash against the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong on Saturday 1 June.

The Barbarian Football Club has appointed Rhino Rugby as official teamwear and clothing supplier for its summer tour in 2013.The two-match tour kicks-off with the annual fixture against England at Twickenham on Sunday 26 May and concludes with a high profile clash against the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong on Saturday 1 June. 

Derek Quinnell, the former Lion and Barbarian who will manage the Barbarians on the tour, said: “It is a great honour for us as a touring club to play England every May and to follow that with the hugely anticipated match against the Lions is a great challenge as well as an honour.

“I was fortunate to play in the corresponding fixture for the Lions against the Baa-Baas back in 1977 so I realise what next summer’s match in Hong Kong will mean for both sets of players.

“The Barbarian club is pleased to have agreed a contract with Rhino Rugby for the two matches.”

Reg Clark, Rhino Group CEO, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be appointed to this prestigious contract and particularly excited that on 1 June in Hong Kong Rhino will be supplying not only the match ball for the opening game of 2013 Lions’ tour but also the playing kit for the Barbarians on an historic occasion.”

English League One team. Shrewsbury Town have announced that funeral directors Pughs of Shrewsbury will extend their matchday programme sponsorship in 2013.

Peter Forrest, nurse Managing Director of Pughs of Shrewsbury, pilule said: “We are delighted to be associated with Shrewsbury Town Football Club who, like ourselves, have been part of the local heritage for over 120 years.

“A lot of work goes into the matchday programme to make it such an excellent production, and we are more than happy to support this and, in turn, support our local team.”

From their offices on the banks of the River Severn at Coleham, Pughs have provided a highly personal and professional funeral service to families at their time of need since 1890.

Andrew Tretton, Town’s commercial sales executive, added: “The club are really pleased that Pughs are continuing their sponsorship and we appreciate the backing that Peter has given us.

“This support, as with all our sponsors and corporate partners, enables us to field as strong a team as possible out on the pitch which is what we are all here for ultimately.”

TaylorMade Golf Company has added to it’s growing list of golf ambassadors by adding Major Champion Stewart Cink and 2012 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, John Huh.

TaylorMade has also signed two-time PGA Tour winner, Ryan Moore as well as J.J. Henry, Chad Campbell and Brian Davis.

Cink, winner of the 2009 Open Championship, will wear a TaylorMade hat, use a TaylorMade bag and play the new R1 driver. He will also wear Ashworth apparel. Huh has signed an 11-club deal and is playing the R1 and new RocketBallz Stage 2 3-wood.

“We are excited to build on another landmark year for our organisation and we’re confident our new class of Tour staff professionals will amplify and reinforce our positioning as the undisputed industry leader around the world,” said Chuck Presto, TaylorMade Senior Vice President of Global Sports Marketing.

In addition to its fresh faces, TaylorMade has announced the re-signing of two of its longest standing Tour staff professionals, Retief Goosen and Sean O’Hair.

Goosen, twice a U.S. Open Champion and the owner of 44 professional victories, will continue to wear a TaylorMade hat, carry a TaylorMade bag and play a full complement of TaylorMade equipment including the new LETHAL golf ball. Goosen will also wear Ashworth apparel.

Sean O’Hair, meanwhile, re-signed his agreement with TaylorMade at the conclusion of the 2012 PGA Tour season and will continue to wear a TaylorMade hat, Ashworth apparel and play a full complement of TaylorMade equipment, including the new RocketBladez Tour irons. He enters the 2013 season with great momentum having teamed with Adams Golf Tour staff professional, Kenny Perry, to win the 2012 Shark Shootout at Tiburon in early December.

Tyre manufacturers Bridgestone have revealed nine times world champion Valentino Rossi has renewed his deal with the company to act as Motorcycle Tyre Development Adviser.

As under the previous agreement, link Rossi and Bridgestone will work together to promote the passion of motorcycling to bikers and enthusiasts throughout Europe, ampoule directly supporting the Bridgestone ‘track to street’ concept. Rossi will act alone as a professional rider; his MotoGP team and sponsors are not involved in the deal.

“I’ve been working with Bridgestone in MotoGP for many years and have always been impressed by their professionalism and the quality of their products. Continuing this agreement gives me an exciting opportunity to contribute to new Bridgestone motorcycle road tyres”, commented the Italian.

As part of his role, Rossi will provide his evaluation and opinions on the performance of Bridgestone motorcycle tyres, particularly in the hyper-sport, racing and sport touring sectors. Bridgestone in turn will use his input in tyre development to deliver road tyres with better performance and improved safety margins.

Franco Annunziato, CEO and President Bridgestone Europe, added: “Valentino Rossi is a great ambassador for our company. With the extension of our agreement, we have secured advice and recommendations from one of the greatest motorcycle competitors of all times, thereby ensuring that we bring the best new Battlax tyres to market.”

Bridgestone entered MotoGP in 2002 and in 2009 became the first Official Tyre Supplier to the World Championship.

Acer a mobile computer company has secured a deal to sponsor the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

Tournament officials announced on Tuesday morning, Jan. 8, that Acer is now the title sponsor of the tournament, which will now be known as the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer.

Acer already sponsors Yani Tseng, the No. 1 ranked golfer in the LPGA Rolex Rankings. Tseng has been named the company’s “global ambassador,” and stars in many of their TV commercials.

“We are proud to support this tournament and women’s golf,” Director of Global Marketing and Brand for Acer Kim Phipps said. “By having signed on as the official computer and presenting sponsor of the ShopRite LPGA Classic, the affiliation brings greater visibility to both our brands and to the many talented women who explore beyond limits in this sport.”

This year’s 54-hole, $1.5 million purse tournament takes place from May 31-June 2 at the Stockton Seaview, and will be televised on The Golf Channel. Stacy Lewis is the defending champion.

“Since the Classic’s return to the Jersey Shore just three years ago, we have not only continued to see an increase in fan and community support, but with our corporate partnerships as well,” Tournament Director Leela Narang said. “When we see a successful global brand like Acer coming on board as the presenting sponsor of our event, it’s proof positive that the strength and appeal of our tournament, and women’s golf, is smart business.”

“We are pleased to continue to sponsor the ShopRite LPGA Classic. Through this tournament, we have been able to support local initiatives such as the innovative programs at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center; Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure in North Jersey; diabetes management programs at St. Joseph’s Medical Center; CARES Institute’s Treatment Center for Child Abuse and Neglect; the Pediatric Ophthalmology Section at Yale University; the Embrace Kids Foundation in support of pediatric cancer patients and their families; and food banks throughout our area. We welcome Acer as a partner who will help us to continue this good work,” Wakefern Food Corp. Chairman and CEO Joseph Colalillo said.

Rising golf star, Seung Yul Noh, has joined Nike as a global ambassador.

Noh entered into a multi-year agreement with the Swoosh and will represent Nike Golf in clubs, ball, footwear, glove, apparel, headwear and accessories. 

“Nike is the number one sports brand in the world,” said Noh.  “The best players in the world trust the Swoosh and I am proud to be a part of that group.” 

The 22-year-old from Gangwon-do, South Korea, will play with the world’s first high speed cavity back driver, the Nike VR_S Covert driver.  Rounding out his bag of Nike Golf equipment include the Nike VR Pro Limited Edition fairway woods, Nike VR_S Forged irons, Nike VR Pro wedges, and the new Nike Method Midnight 006 putter.  He also will play with Nike’s new 20XI golf ball, featuring more RZN technology.  On the body, he’ll wear Nike Golf apparel from its Tour Performance Collection and the new Nike Lunar Control footwear. 

“Seung Yul is an impressive athlete, who is powerful and long off the tee,” said Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sports Marketing Operations. “He has a tremendous future with Nike Golf and we are thrilled to have him among our strong stable of athletes.” 

Noh impressively cemented his place in Asian golf history by becoming the youngest winner of the Asian Tour Order of Merit at the age of 19 in 2010.  He is the winner of two tournaments on the Asian Tour, the 2008 Midea China Classic and the 2010 Maybank Malaysian Open.

This follows hot on the heels after Nike’s recent announcement that Nick Watney, Kyle Stanley and Thorbjørn Olesen have signed with Nike Golf.

MotoGP’s Pramac Racing Team have announced that Energy T.I. will be a new sponsor for the 2013 season. 

The Italian energy company’s first foray into the world of motorsport will see their logo emblazoned on the fairing of the gifted rider Andrea Iannone, allowing them to reap the benefits of an association with a dynamic and exciting industry.

The Midwest Omnium Race Series, viagra called The 2013 Flyover Championship Series, has just acquired a major sponsorship from Legacy Electronics, Inc.

The 2013 Flyover Championship will bring together 5 separate cycling events in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota starting in April and ending in August.

“We are pleased to present the 2013 Flyover Championship Race Series,” said Jason Engle, CEO of Legacy Electronics, Inc. He added, “Cycling is an exciting sport that promotes a positive lifestyle and enthusiasm in the local communities where the races are held, and Legacy is proud to sponsor this new event.”

The goal of The 2013 Flyover Championship Series, indicated race managers, is to synergize and cross-promote the efforts of the individual races and establish the richest regional amateur race series that promotes growth and participation in Midwest cycling events. Their plan is to make the Flyover states a destination for competitive cyclists in North America.

All events are sanctioned by USA Cycling, which provides oversight for the Olympic training team and the majority of all cycling races in the USA. Each race will provide its own prizes and sponsorships, but will also contribute to the overall $20,000 cash purse for the 2013 Midwest Flyover Championship.