Gloucester launch new partnership, new playing strip
Ben Morgan, Lance Bradley (MD, Mitsubishi Motors (UK), Stephen Vaughan (CEO, Gloucester Rugby) and David Humphreys
©Gloucester Rugby
Gloucester Rugby formally launched a new three-year partnership with Mitsubishi and have also unveiled a new philosophy behind their kit design for the 2015/16 season at Kingsholm.
The deal with Mitsubishi, which will see the car manufacturer's logo feature on the club's training and playing wear as well as round the pitch at Kingsholm, was announced back in March.
Mitsubishi Motors (UK) has sponsored Gloucester for eight years and now steps up their commitment to the club.
"We have been great supporters of Gloucester Rugby over the years and the club's fan base runs deep into our organisation," Lance Bradley, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Motors (UK), said.
"We will be embarking on many exciting initiatives together and are delighted to be confirmed as the club's main partner.
"Gloucester Rugby is one of the most famous clubs in England. They regularly play live on TV. Our sponsorship will see the Mitsubishi brand being viewed over 16 million times a season."
And those shirts on which Mitsubishi will feature prominently are part of what the club say is an "innovative new approach".
Four new playing shirts are to be unveiled including a shirt for use specifically by the 7s and Academy teams.
"Traditionally, the first team shirt design has also been used for A League, Academy and Sevens fixtures," Chief Executive Stephen Vaughan explained.
"Following discussions with a number of people associated with the club, we have concluded that representing the first team is something to be valued, and wearing the Cherry and White first team shirt is something to aspire to.
"As such, this season's new first team shirt will be worn for first team fixtures only. We feel that representing the Gloucester Rugby first team is a unique achievement and that should be reflected by wearing a unique shirt, a privilege that should be earned and not given.
"The new shirt designs will also give supporters more choice and we hope they understand our reasoning behind the new approach and that they like the new designs."
The 7s/Academy shirt will go on sale next week, followed by the club's new European shirt with the new change and first team stripes later in the summer.
Elsewhere, however, the club have confirmed that tight-head prop Shaun Knight has left the club and signed for Newport Gwent Dragons.
Knight, 25, is the son of former Gloucester player Adrian and came through the club's Academy to make 77 appearances and play in two Junior World Championships with England U20s in 2009 and 2010.
He has found playing time limited recently behind John Afoa and Sila Puafisi and heads to Rodney Parade for a new challenge.
"Shaun is at the stage of his career when he needs to be playing regular first team rugby. The Dragons will hopefully provide him with more chances in that respect," Director of Rugby David Humphreys said.
"It's a shame when a local lad moves on, but this is a real opportunity for Shaun. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best as he's been a popular member of the squad."
