West Country brewer, Bath Ales, has come on board as an official partner of Bath Rugby in time for the start of the new season.
The two-year agreement, which starts immediately, is the biggest partnership deal the brewer has ever committed to and signals a significant investment by the business.
As part of the new relationship, Bath Ales’ branding, featuring the award-winning beer brand ‘Gem’, will be included on the team’s shorts throughout the season.
Robin Couling, Managing Director of Bath Ales, said “We’ve always had an interest in Bath Rugby and they’re a great fit with us. As our local team we’ve been supporting them from the stands for many years – and it’s very exciting to be involved in an official capacity now.
“The Rugby World Cup is being held in the UK next year and there will be increased focus on the sport so it’s a great time to get involved and support a local team that is among the elite national and international club sides.
“We’ve got some exciting activation plans in the pipeline so watch this space.”
The West Stand at the Recreation Ground will be Bath Ales branded, and in-stadia advertising and regular product sampling will take place through the season.
Matt Powell, Business Development Director at Bath Rugby, said: “Bath Ales is a successful and growing local business and we’re delighted to welcome them as a partner.
“We share similar values and ethos and look forward to enjoying a long and fruitful relationship with Bath Ales.
“Our partnerships are hugely important to us and we want to work with businesses we can create long, lasting connections with.”
Bath’s first home game of the season will take place Saturday 13th September when Aviva Premiership newcomers, London Welsh, visit the Rec.
Robin added: “We’re putting our full support and commitment behind Bath Rugby and we anticipate a very successful season ahead for this talented side.”
For a full list of fixtures and tickets, visit http://www.bathrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/first-team/
ENDS
For more information about Bath Ales, please contact Simon Russell at Inside Media on simon@insidemedia.uk.com or 01179 066 519.
For more information about Bath Rugby, please contact Helen Bayes on 01225904113/ helen.bayes@bathrugby.com.
About Bath Ales:
Based between Bath and Bristol, Bath Ales is an independent brewery established in 1995 which uses traditional brewing techniques with cutting-edge technology. The founders come from a brewing background and combine a range of skills with a shared passion for all styles of beer.
The business currently produces just over 20,000 brewer’s barrels annually and has had its own bottling plant since 2007. Sustained investment plans will see the brewery continue to increase production volumes. Bath Ales also has an on-site brewery shop.
Bath Ales now operate 12 sites across the South West – two inside Colston Hall, The Hare on the Hill, The Hop Pole, The Salamander, The Swan, The Wellington, Beerd, The Grapes a little bit further afield in Oxford, and three Graze, Brasserie & Chophouse sites in Bath, Bristol and Cirencester. The latest flagship Graze in Bath also features a fully functional microbrewery.
The Bath Ales range of beers includes Gem, Barnsey, Dark Side, Wild Hare, Special Pale Ale and Ginger Hare.