Mercedes-Benz South Wales, part of the Sinclair Group which is Wales’ largest and most successful motor group, has been afforded official supplier status for the next four years.
The deal means Wales head coach Warren Gatland together with Welsh Rugby Union coaching staff and development officers, and other key WRU employees who are part of the WRU’s stated mission to spread the good word about our national sport throughout the country, will be doing so in Mercedes-Benz cars.
A total of 89 new cars will be disseminated throughout the WRU workforce across a variety of departments as Mercedes-Benz help staff put the mileage in around Wales, promoting rugby in the heartlands and the most remote parts of the country.
Joining Gatland behind the wheel will be the likes of RGC 1404 head coach Chris Horsman who travels regularly between WRU headquarters in the Vale of Glamorgan and his side’s home ground Parc Eirias in North Wales.
The Wales national squad assistant coaches, Rob Howley, Neil Jenkins, Robin McBryde and Shaun Edwards, backroom staff and age grade departments will all benefit from the new supplier deal, which will see the cars changed over on an annual basis.
The WRU and Sinclair Group have also agreed that they will work together with the ambition that future National Dual Contract players will benefit from the partnership, with a number of national squad players already with the Sinclair Group, the way is clear for Wales’ top stars to be able to access the Mercedes-Benz portfolio in the future.
The Mercedes-Benz and Sinclair Group brands will become prevalent around the Millennium Stadium on match-day, beginning with Wales clash with Australia in the Dove Men Series opener this Autumn.
“This is the latest new sponsorship agreement for the WRU Group, following on from the announcement of our new international travel partner last month,” said Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis.
“This is perhaps an appropriate time for us to reflect upon the high value of the WRU brand itself in the global market place
“In addition to such a prestigious partnership Mercedes will also offer WRU staff reliability, comfort and style as they go about their daily business of promoting and growing our national sport around Wales and beyond in such fine vehicles.
“It is also significant for us that the Sinclair Group, who are based exclusively in Wales and the sole passenger car supplier for Mercedes-Benz in the country, are the driving force behind this new deal.
“Our two organisations are synonymous with success in Wales and we will now be in a position to grow stronger together over the next four years.
“Mercedes-Benz is a perfect fit for Welsh rugby and we are sure rugby clubs around the country and visitors to the Millennium Stadium will welcome the site of their famous brand over the coming seasons.”
The Sinclair Group has a reputation for quality and excellent customer service dating back to their humble beginning in 1945 in Port Talbot.
The Sinclair Group is the largest and most successful motor group in Wales, representing some of the most prestigious automotive brands and serving retail and corporate sectors across the UK.
“As a business, we are focused on delivering unrivalled sales and after sales expertise combined with the unparalleled levels of personal service that have been at the heart of our family-run business for more than 60 years,” said Sinclair Group Director Andy Sinclair.
“We are delighting to now be an official supplier the Welsh Rugby Union Group and look forward to developing the relationship between our two organisations over the next four years.
“The Welsh Rugby Union, as the governing body of our national sport, has a special place in the hearts and minds of the Welsh public and the WRU, in its professionalism and pursuit of excellence, shares many of the values and ideals of the Sinclair Group.
“These are obviously exciting times for Welsh rugby as the game enters a new period of stability, and WRU staff will be working as hard as ever out on the ground to ensure continued growth and we are delighted that we will able to play a part in facilitating future success.”
