Despite the departure of Ireland from the Rugby World Cup this weekend, it seems rugby is still the red hot ticket within the motoring world at the moment. Toyota has a long standing partnership with Munster Rugby Club while Volkswagen is the official car supplier to both Leinster Rugby and the IRFU. Following hot on the heels of its tie-up with Connacht Rugby, Mazda has announced its appointment as Official Vehicle Partner of Ulster Rugby.
As part of the deal Mazda will supply cars to players and staff with new signing, Jared Payne, the first player to receive a vehicle - a Mazda6 2.2 diesel Sport estate. The sponsorship will also involve joint marketing initiatives with Mazda dealers and the Ulster Branch's 55 affiliated rugby clubs across the province. Mazda's logo will feature prominently at Ulster's home ground of Ravenhill with product placement involving the team taking place throughout the season.
The sponsorship comes at a time when Ulster RC competes in both the Heineken Cup and RaboDirect PRO12.