Macron has been announced as Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) new technical partner with the Italian firm striking a seven-year partnership.
As part of the deal Macron will supply WRU with matchday kits, along with training, travel and leisure wear, including accessories, to its senior men’s, women’s and pathway teams from October.
WRU CEO Steve Phillips, commented: “We have agreed a unique and progressive partnership with Macron to not only supply team and leisure wear to our national squad, but to also provide an invaluable offer to our community game in their second season with us and beyond.
“Macron understands the importance of the community game in Wales and, together, we are determined to ensure that this end of the game also reaps the benefits of this new commercial alliance.
“Macron is a widely respected and highly regarded multi-sport kit manufacturer who are about to celebrate their 50th year in the business and already work with a host of top teams around the globe.”
The partnership is a result of WRU’s agreement with long-term supplier Under Armour reaching an early termination. However, after the announcement of its new technical partner WRU’s CEO is optimistic about the commercial deal.
Phillips added: “Under Armour and Welsh rugby grew significantly together in the last 12 years and we would like to thank UA and their employees all around the world for all the support during a genuinely fantastic partnership.
“But now we look forward to an exciting new partnership with Macron, which comes with a huge amount of potential benefit for both the international and community game.”
As Phillips alluded to prior, Macron will also be investing into Welsh rugby’s community sector by providing an estimated £6m worth of kits over the course of the seven year deal. Whilst exact details have not been released WRU has confirmed that £1m in credit will become available across the community game each season from 2021.
“We are proud to announce this prestigious agreement,” said Macron CEO, Gianluca Pavanello. The Welsh Rugby Union has a rich history in world rugby and is a Union that boasts incredible accolades – but, more importantly, plays a fundamental role in Welsh culture and society.
“Partnerships with the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues have given us an appreciation of the love that Welsh fans have for the sport. That same love and passion grows even stronger every time the national team enters the field. We at Macron will offer the Welsh Rugby Union our technical competence, creative ability and a bit of Italian flair to develop their match day kit, their clothing lines as well as a merchandising collection that will be unique to this great nation and one that we hope will capture the hearts of players and fans alike.”
