IPL Adapt Sponsorship of Bath Rugby to Become Business Partner

It has been announced that IPL will extend its relationship with English rugby union club Bath under new terms, taking the partnership between the two organisations into its third year.

Having initially served as Bath’s main sponsor for the past two seasons, with logo placement on the front of the player’s shirts, IPL’s latest deal with the club sees the software development company become the team’s official business partner for the 2011/12 Aviva Premiership season.

IPL will now be able to brand The Recreation Ground’s south stand under the agreement, as well as corporate hospitality boxes in addition to helping organise high-profile business events.

Though financial details were not released, with no branding on the club’s playing shirts next season, the value of IPL’s new sponsorship is thought to be worth significantly less than that of previous seasons.

Shaun Davey, IPL chief executive officer, stated: “We are pleased to be able to continue our relationship with Bath Rugby. We have always felt that IPL and Bath Rugby share many common values. We support the club’s aspirations to grow and are keen to contribute to that success.

“Whilst being the main sponsor helped us to raise our profile, we are now looking to focus awareness on the specific services that IPL offers within the public and private sector business community. As the official business partner we are able to continue to support the club whilst meeting our business objectives.”

Bath Rugby chief executive, Nick Blofeld, added: “We are really looking forward to continuing our strong relationship with IPL. They are a great local company, who we have really enjoyed working with, and are very thankful for their continued support, exemplified through this new partnership.”