Wwru ‘pretty In Pink’

Sporting the new signature red Kukri playing shirt, playing members of the Wales Women’s squad launched the new deals today.

Preston-based Kukri Sports will be ‘Official Kit Supplier’ to the WWRU in a three year deal worth over £45,000, which has also been ‘sportsmatched’ by the Sports Council for Wales taking the value to £90,000. This makes it the biggest women’s rugby kit sponsorship deal in the world.

Their involvement encompasses a unique new retail venture for the WWRU. Rugby fans will be able to purchase WWRU branded products including polo shirts, replica jerseys, fleeces and t-shirts, in both male and female sizes.

The red Kukri playing shirt, which carries the ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ pink ribbon logo, forms the basis of the range which will be available in all WRU retail outlets and online at www.wru.co.uk. A guaranteed £2 donation will be made to Cancer Research UK for every replica shirt sold.

Alison Griffiths, WWRU Business Manager commented “We are delighted to welcome Kukri on board. They are the perfect partner for both our on and off field ventures – the quality and innovative design of the Kukri products will make them a huge hit with Welsh rugby fans.

‘Like the game of women’s rugby, Kukri have achieved fantastic growth in their short history. We are also grateful to them for their role in helping form our new relationship with Cancer Research UK.”

Phil Morris, Kukri Commercial Director, added “This deal re-enforces our approach of supporting up and coming teams determined to break the traditional mould.”

In further support of Cancer Research UK, 20 special edition pink shirts will be autographed by a variety of Welsh celebrities and auctioned at events throughout Wales, in conjunction with the WWRU title sponsor, PHS. Collections for the charity will be made at the WWRU Six Nations home matches.

Cancer Research UK Community Fundraiser Dawn Williams said “Six women are diagnosed with breast cancer EVERY day across Wales, each one a mother, sister, wife or daughter. We would like to thank WWRU for all their support and for turning ‘pink on the pitch’ to help raise awareness and fund our vital research into the disease.”

Welsh international Brent Cockbain, who recently lost his young son Toby to cancer, joined members of the WWRU squad today to help launch the new association with Cancer Research UK.

“After what has happened to my family it is important to me to support any initiatives like this one,” added Brent. “A bit of awareness at an early stage can make all the difference to people’s lives in the long run. Many of these things, especially breast cancer, are extremely treatable when you get to them early enough.”