Barfoot & Thompson to play for Auckland in 2010

Media release

Friday 2 July 2010

Barfoot & Thompson to play for Auckland in 2010

Auckland’s leading real estate company Barfoot & Thompson has joined our city’s favourite rugby team on the field as the key sponsor of the Auckland Rugby Union’s ITM Cup team.

Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director Peter Thompson announced the company’s support of the team at a launch event yesterday evening, where a proto-type 2010 jersey was also unveiled.

At the event, Mr Thompson said the new partnership was part of Barfoot & Thompson’s ongoing commitment to supporting its local community.

“Our involvement ranges from support of the Starship Foundation, to local cultural events, school initiatives and with sport.  

“There is no sporting activity closer to the hearts of Aucklanders than the performance of their local rugby team, and we are delighted to get behind the team and do our part to build on the proud provincial record of Auckland.”

He said a key area of the company’s involvement would be to partner with Auckland Rugby in building interest in, and excitement around, the team’s performance.

“Through the day-to-day involvement of our people out in the community, we want to get Aucklanders talking about their team, following their progress and coming along to the games to support them.

“A successful representative team will also attract and hold the interest of younger players, encouraging them to continue to play the sport and better their skills.”

These objectives were echoed by Auckland Rugby Coach Mark Anscombe at the event, who shared the team’s aspirations for the season as the ITM Cup competition draws closer.

“We are thrilled to welcome Barfoot & Thompson as the new major sponsor of Auckland Rugby and have the company’s logo nestled on the front of the famous blue and white hooped jersey,” Mr Anscombe said.

“Both Auckland Rugby and Barfoot & Thompson share a proud and rich heritage in Auckland, and I’m looking forward to building on that and working together to ensure we enjoy a long and successful partnership.”

Sharing the latest news from the camp at last night’s event, Mr Anscombe said the return of seasoned campaigners Daniel Braid, Brent Ward and Ben Atiga had provided a real boost to the team.

“It’s great to have the calibre of people like Daniel and Brent back in the Auckland jersey and the leadership they bring to the team cannot be underestimated,” he said.

“With the players joining our team getting younger and younger, to have senior players like that helping them through the rigours of adapting to provincial rugby is a huge asset and I’m looking forward to seeing how we come together in the upcoming pre-season games.”

He said that, along with the recruitment of new players Matthew Berquist, Toby Morland and Ash Dixon, there is plenty of healthy competition for places and promising signs that Auckland will be an extremely competitive team this year.

Auckland’s first pre-season game will be held next week against Waikato and their official provincial season begins on Sunday 1 August at North Harbour Stadium.

At the opening game, fans will be invited to act as real estate agents at half time for a ‘Sale sign run’ competition with great prizes up for grabs.

Ends

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