Sport: Leeds Rhinos, England Cricket, Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon

HOT tub manufacturer Jacuzzi has announced that it is the newest associate club sponsor for Leeds Rhinos.

The reigning Super League Champions’ physiotherapy team will be using Jacuzzi’s hot tubs as part of their training and recovery programme, said the team.

Commercial director for the Rhinos Rob Oates said: “Many of our players are already fans of Jacuzzi and with the brand’s UK flagship showroom being based in Leeds, it made sense for us to team up. We’re looking forward to working with such a big global brand throughout the season!”

Paul Farrell, Jacuzzi UK’s marketing manager, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with the Rhinos during such an important year for them as they prepare to defend their titles. This is a great opportunity for Jacuzzi to raise awareness within Leeds and beyond.

“We’re looking to move away from some industry stereotypes and actually inform people about the real benefits of hot tubs, but have some fun whilst doing so! They are leaders in the sport of rugby league and we are leaders in hot tubs – we’re excited to be working together.”

***

THE partnership between Yorkshire Tea and the England Cricket Board has been extended.

They are keeping Yorkshire Tea on as the ‘Official Brew of England Cricket’ for a further three years.

The agreement will see Yorkshire Tea increase its investment and build on its commitment to the only sport which stops for a tea-break.

England are due to host international tours by Sri Lanka and Pakistan this summer with South Africa and West Indies set to visit England next summer and India scheduled to tour in 2018.

ECB Commercial Director Sanjay Patel said: “Cricket and tea are a natural fit for a successful marketing campaign and we are delighted that we have helped Yorkshire Tea achieve wider exposure via this sponsorship – and become one of the UK’s best known brands.

“We look forward to developing our relationship still further over the next three years and warmly welcome Yorkshire Tea’s desire to play their part in enhancing fans’ match-day experience at all our international venues.”

Kevin Sinfield, Head of Brand Marketing at Taylors of Harrogate, said: “Coming from a county with such a strong cricketing heritage, we’ve always felt a close connection to the game, right down to the illustration of a village game on our box.

***
GPS SPORTS watch manufacturer Suunto has signed on as an official timing partner to the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds.

The triathlon is due to take place on June 11 and 12 in the heart of Leeds.

Chris Tattersall, country marketing manager UK for Suunto, commented: “Our passion is performance and our products inspire users to push their limits.

“As a multi-sport brand, our partnership of the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds means we’re partnering with an event sharing our performance values. We look forward to being part of the athletes’ success in Leeds.”

British Triathlon chief executive, Jack Buckner added: “It’s fantastic to welcome Suunto as Official Timing Partner.

“There’s a tremendous buzz about this event, and to see such a highly revered multi-sport brand joining the impressive family of sponsors adds to the prospect of this being a spectacular event for elite athletes, spectators, volunteers and thousands of amateur competitors.”