Panasonic Extends Sponsorship with Australian Rugby

The Australian Rugby Union has announced that Panasonic has extended its association with Australian Rugby for another four years.
The consumer electronics giant has been involved with Australian Rugby at the community, Super 14 and Wallabies level for the past three years and will continue the partnership through to the end of 2011 â the year of the next Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
âPanasonic has been the Australian Rugby Unionâs exclusive sponsor in the audio-visual electronics category since 2005, and weâre proud to be able to extend this for another four years,�? said Steve Rust, Managing Director Panasonic Australia.
â2008 is certainly an exceptional year for the ARU. The appointment of a new coach provides a fresh opportunity for reinvigoration and innovation.
âOver the next four years we look forward to supporting the ARUâs new direction with the latest technology that gives them the competitive advantage, allowing them to analyse individual, team and opposition performance.�?
ARU Managing Director and Chief Executive John OâNeill said he was delighted a valuable partner had been secured long-term.
âPanasonic is a leader in its field, just as we want our flagship team to be under the direction of our new Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans,�? OâNeill stated, adding "the support we have received from Panasonic in recent seasons represents the companyâs welcome commitment to Australian Rugby which stretches from the grassroots to the elite professional levels.
âTheir sponsorship has encompassed the community game, through support for our EdRugby program, right through to Super 14 and the Wallabies.
âWe are excited to have Panasonic committing to what will be an enduring and successful relationship as the game moves into a bold new era.�?