RaboDirect to pull plug on Pro12 sponsorship

At the end of this season RaboDirect bank will end their sponsorship of the Pro 12 league three years into a four year agreement after stating their “key business objectives have been achieved.”

Celtic Rugby and their chief executive John Feehan must now find a third sponsor since 2006. Sky Sports have purchased the broadcast rights for the Pro 12 this season and with Rabo bank's main focus being Ireland they have decided focus on sponsorship within Ireland only

“The partnership with the PRO12 has helped us achieve key business objectives and has been extremely beneficial, especially in terms of developing and communicating our brand values, connecting with rugby fans and giving us a platform to reward our customers,” said Tim Bicknell, General Manager at RaboDirect.

Bicknell added: “Our commitment to the PRO12 will be the same this season, and we will continue to push the boundaries, innovate and bring our energy and expertise to the competition through a strong programme of activity.

“We are developing our business strategy for the next five years and the excellent results of this partnership has helped inform and influence our strategy for potential future partnerships.”

Chief Executive of Celtic Rugby, John Feehan, said: “Celtic Rugby would like to thank RaboDirect for its investment and support of the competition from the introduction in 2011 until the end of the upcoming season. The competition has grown hugely over the last few years and this season is set to be even better. The launch will kick start what we all expect will be another fascinating campaign.”