Canterbury and Wallabies Part Ways

Press Statement:

Issued: 24/09/2009

Canterbury and Wallabies Part Ways

Canterbury will cease to outfit the Qantas Wallabies Australian national rugby side at the end of this year.

A joint statement from the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) today confirmed that Canterbury’s 10 year stint as apparel sponsor of the Wallabies will finish at the end of the current contract period on December 31st.

Canterbury CEO Scott Chapman says that the company went through the tender process, but that another party valued the Wallabies property higher than Canterbury was prepared to, given current market conditions.

“Canterbury has been proud to be associated with the Wallabies for 15 of the last 20 years,” says Chapman, “and we plan to continue to invest in Australian rugby at other levels where possible in future” he said.

ARU Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill thanked Canterbury for their long service to Australian Rugby.

“The opening years of the partnership included Bledisloe Cup titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002, a series win over the British Lions in 2001 and back-to-back Tri Nations titles in 2000 and 2001.

“It has been a beneficial and enjoyable partnership on both sides,” he said.

ENDS

About Canterbury of New Zealand:

Canterbury of New Zealand was established in 1904 to manufacture and supply rugby jerseys to the New Zealand All Blacks. The company is now the world's largest and most technically advanced rugby brand and provides official playing strips to many of the world's top rugby teams including the South African, Australian, Irish and Scottish national teams. Beyond rugby, Canterbury has established itself as the market leader in sports performance apparel with Canterbury BaseLayer and technical sports equipment now being worn by leading International athletes around the world.

www.CanterburyNZ.com

About JD Sports plc

JD Sports Fashion PLC is the UK’s leading specialist multiple retailer of sports and casual wear, principally through its own stores; JD Sports.

Founded in 1981 with one shop in Bury, the group now has more than 400 stores throughout the UK.

The company listed publicly in 1994 and is 57% owned by Pentland Group Plc since mid 2005, a group whose principal interests are in Sports and Fashion Brands, such as Lacoste and Speedo.

© Scoop Media