Intrust Super has signed up as the naming rights sponsor of Sydney’s premier rugby union competition, the Shute Shield.
The Intrust Super Shute Shield will be seen live on the Seven Network this year, with this Saturday’s (Mar 21) season opener between Eastern Suburbs and Gordon kicking off an exciting new era for televised club rugby.
The Intrust Super Shute Shield’s Saturday match-of-the-day will be seen live throughout the season on 7TWO, regionally through the Prime Network and 7 Digital.
“Intrust Super are thrilled to be on board for the for the next three years as naming rights partner of a competition with rich history and a proven breeding ground for past, present and future Wallabies,” said Intrust Super CEO Brendan O’Farrell.
“Intrust Super is passionate about grass roots footy. This partnership is another way to engage with the community at large and help take a great game and a great superannuation message to a broader audience.”
The breakthrough to continue television coverage of was spearheaded by Club Rugby TV directors, leading stockbroker John Murray and Nick Fordham, CEO of the talent management agency, The Fordham Company.
Club Rugby TV obtained an exclusive short-term licence from NSW Rugby late last year to negotiate an agreement with a free-to-air television broadcaster and source commercial partners and sponsors.
With Intrust Super, a Platinum rated superannuation company specialising in the hospitality industry, agreeing to become the naming rights sponsor of the Intrust Super Shute Shield, the deal with the 7 Network was locked in early this week ahead of this Saturday’s season opener at Woollahra Oval.
“This is exciting news for the game in New South Wales as the Intrust Super Shute Shield is the entry point and the foundation of first class rugby in Australia,” said Bruce Worboys, executive director of NSW Rugby.
“Club Rugby TV, through John Murray and Nick Fordham, has worked unfailingly hard over several months to bring this to fruition.”