Wednesday 21st October 2020

The Rugby Players Association (RPA) and Umbro have today announced a new long-term partnership. The English sports brand will be the official kit provider of the RPA and will work closely with the organisation in order to support the personal development of professional rugby players in England.

The announcement follows the recent news that Umbro has become the Official Technical Kit Partner to both England Rugby and the Bristol Bears supplying all match day and training kit, as well as off field wear.

This new partnership will see Umbro work with the RPA on the organisation’s Gain Line programme, designed to support player welfare, off-field personal development, education and career planning.

Renowned for its pedigree supporting professional teams, Umbro has a heritage in rugby union; having previously supported each of the home nations, multiple clubs and the only British & Irish Lions team to win a series in New Zealand, in 1971.

Scott Watson, Umbro Rugby Sponsorship Manager, commented: “The partnership between Umbro and the Rugby Players Association has come from a shared passion for inclusion in the sport of rugby. It’s another exciting step for the brand as we continue to grow our rugby portfolio. We look forward to working hand in hand with the association to provide opportunities to all players both on and off the field.”

Gaia Bursell, RPA Head of Commercial and Team England, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to have Umbro come on board as an Official Partner, both as our kit provider and to support our player welfare programme Gain Line. Umbro have a great heritage in rugby and it's really exciting to be a part of their rapidly expanding portfolio within the sport especially in aligning ourselves with the new Team England kit partner. We are really looking forward to working together and showcasing our shared commitment and passion for rugby.”
 
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Umbro media contact: Michael White, Senior Communications Director, CSM: Michael.white@csm.com / +44 (0)7385 023640 
 
About Umbro
Umbro was founded in 1924 in Manchester, England, by a young tailor named Harold Humphreys who believed that style was a performance advantage – if you looked smart, you played smart – a principle which remains today. Since then, the 'Double Diamond' has been worn on and off the field by some of the world’s best athletes – from gold medallists to World Cup winners. Quality, fit and purpose have always been at the heart of Umbro's design philosophy, from the first lightweight and breathable football shirts to crafted leather football boots built for ultimate comfort. Today, Umbro combines its rich heritage with modern sports culture to craft apparel, footwear and equipment which blends performance with style for players, teams and fans who are as passionate about the games as we are. We are Umbro. We are 96 years young.
 
www.umbro.co.uk
 
About the RPA
 
The Rugby Players Association is the representative body and collective voice of professional rugby players in England. We represent more than 800 male and female current rugby players, as well as more than 400 former players.
 
It is our mission to support, promote and protect the interests of our members, from the moment they sign their first professional contracts, throughout their playing careers, and beyond as they embark on the next phase of their lives.

Our members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including: independent representation; legal advice; personal and professional development; playing insurance; education; confidential counselling; transition support; and much more. Members can also access the support of our official charity, Restart, in the event of serious illness, injury or hardship.

The RPA has also acted as the exclusive commercial representative of the England Team since 2004 and performs the following duties on behalf of Team England: Negotiation of the Elite Players Squad Contract, England and Saxons match fees, England team win bonuses and Image Rights payments with the RFU.

For more information about the Rugby Players Association, please visit www.theRPA.co.uk

-ENDS-
Penny Maltby-Payne – Head of Communications
pmaltbypayne@theRPA.co.uk
020 3053 6670