Umbro strengthens rugby portfolio with Bristol Bears

Continuing its re-establishment into the rugby scene, Umbro has penned a long term deal with Bristol Sport to become Bristol Bears’ official technical kit partner.

The Gallagher Premiership Rugby side will wear Umbro kits from 1 July 2020 with the sportswear brand providing match day and training kits, as well as off field wear. Moreover, the partnership will span across all of Bristol Bears’ men’s, women’s and academy teams.  

Bristol Sport chairman and Bears director Jon Lansdown stated: “We are very proud of the kits that Bristol Sport have produced, over the past six years. Since the Bears rebrand, the innovation shown in designing and creating the team’s jerseys has led to record sales.

“It was important for us to maintain that individual appeal, but also to push on to the next level, which is why the partnership with a globally recognisable brand like Umbro is a great fit.

“Umbro has been designing performance products for almost a century. Their expertise in logistics, resourcing and scale is going to be a huge asset in helping us to meet demand and to grow the Bears identity and vision.”

The news follows Umbro’s recent partnership with England Rugby in which the manufacturer replaced Canterbury. Despite not traditionally aligning with rugby union, Umbro did provide kits for the only British & Irish side to win a series in New Zealand in 1971.

Sam Lucas, Head of Sponsorship at Umbro UK, continued: “We have stated our intention to credibly support rugby through our partnership with England Rugby. Joining forces with Bristol Bears; an exciting club, on a journey to great things, complements this on a domestic and regional level. At the same time, the partnership helps us to deepen our connection with the sport, its fans and the wider rugby community.

“The club’s rich history echoes our own. Over the years we have created elite level products and are looking forward to bringing this experience to bear through our relationship with the club.”

Bristol Bears currently sit third in rugby union’s top division, however, the league has currently been suspended due to the global health pandemic. Unlike other sporting leagues, the organisation has yet to confirm an estimated time-scale as to when the campaign will resume.

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