Engage commit to new Super League deal
Super League’s title sponsors Engage Mutual Assurance have agreed a deal that will extend their sponsorship of Engage Super League until the end of 2011.
On the eve of the new Engage Super League season, which kicks off on Friday night with a match between Crusaders RL and defending champions Leeds Rhinos at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Engage Mutual have decided to take up the remaining one-year option on their existing contract with Rugby League’s elite competition.
Welcoming the decision, the RFL’s Chief Executive Nigel Wood said the news testified to Super League’s intrinsic attractiveness to its commercial partners and reflected the competition’s continued appeal.
“We are delighted to have Engage on board for a further two years and are looking forward to continuing to work with their staff as we build on the stability our partnership has brought to the game and to the clubs,” said Wood.
“The timing of Engage’s decision could not be better as we all gear up for what will be the closest and least predictable Engage Super League season of all.
“I know people say this year after year but I make no apologies for stating my belief that 2010 really will see the most exciting competition we have ever seen.
“The 2010 Engage Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday October 2 is a date every sports fan should put in their diary because it’s going to be a night no-one will want to miss.
“As everyone who’s ever been to the Grand Final will testify, it’s a spectacular event beneath the floodlights at Old Trafford and a magnificent spectacle which the whole family can enjoy.”
Speaking at the official launch of the 2010 Engage Super League season at Altitude 360 in central London, Wood said that although clubs were not immune from the economic downturn, the sport and the Super League clubs were well placed to flourish.
“The salary cap continues to have a positive impact across Engage Super League while sponsorship from progressive companies like Engage Mutual Assurance and the licensing system have each brought the stability clubs need to grow their businesses,” said Wood.
“Rugby League is in good health, nowhere more so than here in London where participation levels are at record levels with unprecedented numbers of people playing the game at all age groups and levels.
“The success of Rugby League in London is reflected across the country where the development work being done by the RFL and the Engage Super League clubs is reaping great rewards.”