Gillette Champions on SLTV

Wednesday 5th March 08

Click here to watch the interviews in Windows Media Format

The RFL is delighted to announce it has agreed a new long-term partnership with Gillette which will see the leading global male grooming brand become the sponsor of all the RFL’s age group representative teams.

This includes England Youth Under 15s, English Schools Under 16s, England Academy Under 17s and England Academy Under 18s.

Also included in the partnership are Great Britain Community Lions Under 18s and the Great Britain Community Lions open age team. Leagues and competitions such as the National Youth League and the Academy Championship are also embraced.

A key element of this new partnership is an initiative which will recognise and reward those junior and amateur clubs who produce players who go on to play international Rugby League. Any clubs who have offered these players their first opportunity to play Rugby League will receive a package of playing and training equipment - provided by Gillette.

For example, if Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Peacock gains selection for England this year, his junior club – Stanningley – will receive the kit. Also if one of Stanningley’s junior players is selected for England Youth Under 15s then they will receive another kit bag packed with training equipment.

The overall aim of the programme is to emphasise the Gillette Champions theme of “Prepare To Be Your Best” and “Be Your Best Today”. 

Gillette have also today confirmed that former Wigan Rugby League legend and dual code rugby international Jason Robinson is to be the brand’s dual code rugby ambassador and that St Helens and Paul Sculthorpe will continue as Gillette’s Rugby League ambassador.

Graeme Thompson, the RFL’s Performance Director, said, “The RFL is delighted with this new long-term partnership with Gillette and the recognition of our sport’s successful performance pathways.

“This association with a global brand like Gillette is tremendously beneficial and shows the importance and prestige that is now attached to playing international and representative Rugby League at any age.

“It is also extremely pleasing that our young elite athletes are receiving this significant recognition and that there is now a clear link between the status of the full England team, our age group representative sides and the grass roots clubs where the players are produced. It’s a seamless pathway. The RFL shares Gillette’s ideals and vision for champion international athletes preparing to be their best and for everyone to be the best they can be. This new partnership can only help to support this”.

Also commenting, the RFL’s Rugby League Services Manager, Niel Wood, said “It is tremendously beneficial that all levels of our sport from grassroots to elite now have an association with a global brand such as Gillette.

“Gillette’s partnership means there is a now a clear link for young athletes at all stages of Rugby League’s development and performance pathways which links the sport from Under 8 to full international level.”

Rugby League is part of Gillette’s highly prestigious group of sports and world-class athlete including world tennis number one Roger Federer, French soccer star Thiery Henry and global golfing icon Tiger Woods.

Gillette spokesman Nathan Homer said: “Gillette has enjoyed a relationship with the RFL since 2003, and this new initiative is further evidence of Gillette’s ongoing commitment to Rugby League.

“Part of the Gillette Champions initiative is a specific Rugby League programme that will encourage individuals and clubs at all levels, from the grassroots and community game through to representative selection at senior level, and reward those who strive to be their best.

“We are delighted to become involved with all levels of the sport, and equally pleased to be continuing as the team sponsor of England for the World Cup. Gillette has played a key role in the development of international Rugby League over the last five years, and look forward to it continuing.”

Gillette have previously sponsored the Gillette Tri-Nations tournament.