Your local team proudly supported by our local team
Proud major sponsor of Auckland Rugby
We’re pleased to be joining Auckland’s favourite rugby team on the field as the new key sponsor of the Auckland Rugby Union’s ITM Cup team.
Our partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to the local community, which also includes support of the Starship Foundation, local cultural events, school initiatives and other sports.
“There is no sporting activity closer to the hearts of Aucklanders than the performance of their local rugby team, and we are delighted to get behind the team and do our part to build on the proud provincial record of Auckland,” says Managing Director Peter Thompson.
“Our involvement will be to partner with Auckland Rugby in building interest in, and excitement around, the team’s performance. Through the day-to-day involvement of our people out in the community, we want to get Aucklanders talking about their team, following their progress and coming along to the games to support them.”
“We also hope that a successful representative team will attract and hold the interest of younger players, encouraging them to continue to play the sport and better their skills.”
These thoughts are echoed by Auckland Rugby Coach Mark Anscombe.
“We are thrilled to welcome Barfoot & Thompson as the new major sponsor of Auckland Rugby and have the company’s logo nestled on the front of the famous blue and white hooped jersey,” Mr Anscombe said.
“Both Auckland Rugby and Barfoot & Thompson share a proud and rich heritage in Auckland, and I’m looking forward to building on that and working together to ensure we enjoy a long and successful partnership.”
Mr Anscombe said the return of seasoned campaigners Daniel Braid, Brent Ward and Ben Atiga had provided a real boost to the team.
“It’s great to have the calibre of people like Daniel and Brent back in the Auckland jersey and the leadership they bring to the team cannot be underestimated,” he said.
“With the players joining our team getting younger and younger, to have senior players like that helping them through the vigours of adapting to provincial rugby, is a huge asset and I’m looking forward to seeing how we come together in the upcoming pre-season games.”
He said that, along with the recruitment of new players Matthew Berquist, Toby Morland and Ash Dixon, there is plenty of healthy competition for places and promising signs that Auckland will be an extremely competitive team this year.