New title sponsor for U20s and U18s

Valvoline, the world’s first motor oil brand, has agreed on a one-year deal to become an official partner of the Engage Super League, as well as title sponsor of Super League’s under-20s and under-18s competitions.

As part of the agreement, the under-20s competition, which includes Super League sides that can only field three overage players, will be known as the Valvoline Cup. The under-18s competition will now be called the Valvoline Academy.

Valvoline is a major sponsor of a variety of international motor racing events and competitions, including the NASCAR and drag racing circuits in the U.S., as well as rally car, motorcycle and off-road racing teams elsewhere around the world.  However, this is Valvoline’s second sponsorship of Rugby League in six months.  Valvoline was an official partner at last year’s Gillette Four Nations.

Paul Kimberley, Super League’s commercial director said, “As shown with the England team last year and this year’s Super League, our clubs are producing more and more quality youngsters each year. This is why our under-20s and under-18s competitions are so important, and it’s a sign of just how rich they are in talent that a multi-national brand such as Valvoline has agreed to become title sponsor of the respective competitions. Their investment will help raise the profile of the competitions and provide a platform for the superb youngsters in this country to showcase their skills.”

Paul Taylor, Valvoline’s marketing manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa said, “We got involved with Rugby League for the first time last year with the Four Nations and found great benefit from our sponsorship and are delighted to continue our involvement with the sport. The Valvoline Cup and Academy competitions will be the competitions where the stars of the future hone their Super League skills. We are thrilled to strengthen our sporting heritage with this sponsorship.”