Wallabies and Canterbury Partnership Continues

Canterbury International and ARU Media Release Friday 16 July 2004

Wallabies and Canterbury International Partnership To Continue

Canterbury International, the world¹s leading rugby apparel brand has re-affirmed its commitment to Rugby Union in Australia, announcing this week that it will extend its major sponsorship of the Wallabies for a further five years.

Canterbury International¹s association with the Wallabies and Australian Rugby dates back to 1995 and the announcement will see the famous CCC brand continue its relationship with the Australian team until the end of 2009.

The ARU¹s CEO and Managing Director, Gary Flowers, said the extension of the current contract clearly indicated the successful long-term partnership between the two parties.

³The Wallabies set very high standards on and off the field, and Canterbury International has exceeded these standards, particularly during last year¹s World Cup,² Mr Flowers said.

³Canterbury International is a great fit with the Wallabies. We share similar values in heritage, tradition, sportsmanship and technical excellence. This is the continuation of a great partnership.²

Technical excellence will remain a focal point of the partnership, with Canterbury International¹s global commitment to R & D highlighted during last year¹s Rugby World Cup. Whilst the majority of Canterbury International¹s major competitors garments were tearing on the field, Canterbury International went through the entire RWC without one ripped garment.

³As a brand that lives and breathes rugby, we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Wallabies and we¹re looking forward to giving the team that competitive edge,² said Canterbury International CEO Bruce Cotterill.

³Combining the latest technology with comfort, style and durability are our brand hallmarks and we want to continue this. We want to ensure the players can get the job done and look good doing it.²

Canterbury International¹s Wallaby merchandise range has also been well received by supporters, who snapped up more than 200,000 Canterbury International Wallaby jerseys in 2003, 176,000 of these in Australia and 100,000 during the Rugby World Cup. The initial delivery of women¹s jerseys was a favourite and sold out within the first week of the tournament.

After experiencing some great success in last year¹s Rugby World Cup, Canterbury International will be expanding its current range of products for Wallaby fans. The company will pay special attention to developing ranges that suit both men and women and the new partnership will play a major role in taking Canterbury International¹s Rugby product to the world, particularly as the company increases its casual wear presence.

²You cannot underestimate the power of national pride, which the Wallabies seem to tap every year. Canterbury International will deliver new products for men, women, children and even toddlers, to cater for the Wallaby faithful,² Mr Cotterill said.

In addition to its partnership with the Wallabies, Canterbury International, which is based in Christchurch, New Zealand, also sponsors all three Australian Super 12 teams, two South African Super 12 teams, as well as South Africa, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan. Canterbury International are also proud to sponsor 10 NPC teams in New Zealand.

ENDS

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