Hull FC agree three year deal with P&O Ferries

Wednesday 19th March 08

Hull FC have landed one of the biggest commercial deals in Rugby League after agreeing a club record three year extension to their current sponsorship contract with P&O Ferries. The new agreement will start at the end of the present 2008 season and run to the end of the 2011 season.
 
James Rule, Chief Executive Hull FC commented: “We are extremely proud of our partnership with P&O. They have been integral to the development of practically every aspect of our off field operation.   Hull FC is an ambitious club, P&O share our ambition and I am excited by the potential of working with them for a further three years.”
 
Simon Johnson, P&O Ferries Tourist Sales and Marketing Director said:  '' We are proud of our long association with the City of Hull and with our sponsorship of Hull FC.   Rugby League is at the heart of the community and its many fans across the City of Hull and from other clubs across the M62 corridor are our passengers.    We all enjoy being in the Super League and look forward to many more years of successful cooperation. Over the current period of the agreement both businesses have seen growth in their operation and we hope for this to continue.”
 
This extension is ground breaking for the club as this is the first time Hull FC have developed a six year partnership with a commercial partner. It is also one of the longest and indeed the highest profile relationships seen in Super League history.  The extension is a significant endorsement of the development and progress Hull FC have made and Rule added: “To be able to wear an internationally recognised brand on our shirt has been integral to raising the profile of the club, both in the UK and around the world.”
 
Rule also confirmed that this extension could not have come at a better time in terms of the clubs license application. '' The license application requires evidence of the effectiveness of each clubs commercial strategy. There can be no better evidence then an extension of our relationship with P & O an internationally recognised organisation.''
 
On the eve of their first derby clash with Hull KR on Good Friday this is a major commercial boost for the club. P&O Ferries first came on board at Hull in 2006 after the clubs historic Challenge Cup victory over Leeds Rhinos at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.   In their first year Hull reached the Grand Final at Old Trafford for the first time in their history and went down to St Helens.

Rule believes Hull fans have played a role in helping the club in extending their partnership with P & O, and he said: “I would like to thank our fans for the role they have played in this new deal. Whenever the Directors of P&O visit Hull for a match day or meetings they are met with a sea of replica shirts displaying their brand.
 
“I would also like to thank the staff of Hull FC and P & O who have worked tirelessly to market and develop this partnership ’’.
 
Our Easter Monday fixture against World Club Champions Leeds Rhinos will be a celebration of our extended partnership with P&O. Fans will receive P&O giveaways to enhance what is certain to be a fantastic match day experience.