Longstanding Crusaders partner, 2degrees, has today announced that it will continue its support of all five New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific clubs, as well as signing on as a major sponsor and exclusive telecommunications partner of all four Super Rugby Aupiki teams.
“Rugby is a part of our national identity in New Zealand and with over 1.5m broadband and mobile connections, it made sense to continue our partnership with all local Super Rugby teams so everyone can support their favourite club," 2degrees Chief Executive Mark Aue said.
"The Pacific competition is set to be fierce next year and we can’t wait to see the action on the field."
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said the club is thrilled 2degrees will continue their support of the New Zealand-based Super Rugby Pacific clubs for a further three years.
“We’re grateful for the work 2degrees do in promoting our competition, our athletes and our unique high performance environments," Mansbridge said.
"2degrees have been a loyal supporter of Super Rugby and we’re thrilled to once again have their backing across all New Zealand clubs, as we launch a new-look competition in 2022.”
With the inaugural season of women’s Super Rugby in New Zealand set to commence in March 2022, Super Rugby Aupiki is a huge milestone for sport in Aotearoa. Today's announcement will also see the 2degrees logo feature on the jersey of the new South Island women's side, Matatū, and the three other new teams.
“Supporting Kiwi women in sport through our partnership with the Super Rugby Aupiki teams is something we’re extremely proud of and is a step forward in our fighting for fair journey,” Aue added.
“As a telecommunications company with a purpose to fight for fair to make New Zealand a better place to live, we’re so pleased to be able to support wahine during this special moment in history.”
The number of female rugby players nationwide has increased greatly over the past 10 years, jumping from nearly 15,000 to more than 26,500 according to the latest numbers from New Zealand Rugby.
Sarah Munro, General Manager Matatū, is delighted to have 2degrees’ support throughout the season with this new partnership.
“Launching Super Rugby Aupiki is a monumental move in the growth of not only rugby in Aotearoa but sport in general, and we’re ecstatic to have 2degrees on board," Munro said.
“It’s wonderful to see an innovative and progressive company like 2degrees taking such an interest in helping shape the future of women's sport in New Zealand – it is so important in our fight for equality and diversity. The Super Rugby Aupiki competition has been long-awaited and provides an amazing opportunity for younger generations to look up to professional wahine players.”
The 2degrees logo is set to take pride of place on all nine New Zealand teams’ Super Rugby jerseys.