Crowne Plaza Hotels Extends Hotel Deal with ARU

Australian Rugby Union have announced long-term partner Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts will continue as the official hotel partner of the Qantas Wallabies until the end of 2013.

For more than 10 years Crowne Plaza has supported the Qantas Wallabies with quality accommodation in Australia and New Zealand.

ARU Managing Director and CEO, discount John O’Neill AO, said: “All of our partners play a vital role in supporting the Qantas Wallabies and Rugby in Australia and Crowne Plaza is no exception,” Mr O’Neill said.

“For over 10 years Crowne Plaza has ensured the Qantas Wallabies have had the very best accommodation in Australia and New Zealand, which plays a vital role in the team’s preparations.

“Crowne Plaza’s decision to extend its partnership for a further two years is great news and we are very grateful for their support.”

IHG Australasia’s Director of Operations, Bill Edwards, added: “You can’t put a price on the quality of expertise that comes from being the home of Australian Rugby for more than a decade.

“The players and support crews have very specific needs when they go into camp and travel throughout the season, and our hotels have become exceptionally good at predicting and meeting those needs.

“This is a long-standing, close partnership that we’re all happy to see continue.

“I know I speak for all of my colleagues across the country when I say we’re proud this iconic Australian team will continue to call Crowne Plaza home.”

The new deal will see Crowne Plaza remain the Official Hotel Group of the Qantas Wallabies until at least the end of 2013, which will include the upcoming Castrol EDGE Rugby International in Scotland, the Castrol EDGE Wales Tour, The Castrol EDGE Rugby Championship in 2012 and 2013 and next year’s highly anticipated British and Irish Lions Tour in June-July.