Vodafone To Partner With British & Irish Lions
Vodafone (Ireland and UK) have today been revealed as lead partner for the 2021 British & Irish Lions Tour of South Africa.
As lead partner, Vodafone’s logo will be displayed on the front of the Lions’ shirt. Vodafone will also provide communications technology to keep everyone involved in the Tour connected and will also provide technical support for training and player performance.
Vodafone’s connectivity across its award winning networks in the UK and Ireland is at the heart of this partnership – using innovative technology to bring fans closer than ever before to the team and the games.
Pictured at the announcement are Anne O’Leary, CEO Vodafone Ireland, Jamie Heaslip former British & Irish Lion and Gerry Nixon, Head of Sponsorship & Business Brand Vodafone Ireland.
Rugby fans will be able to immerse themselves in the action through a dedicated app with interactive games, and plenty of exclusive content, as well as rewards for Vodafone customers via the #FantasticDays programme.
In September 2019, Vodafone Ireland signed an extension agreement to be principal sponsor of the Irish Rugby team and communications partner to the IRFU until 2024.
The agreement also saw Vodafone become official sponsor of the IRFU Women’s Interprovincial Championship. The multi-year deal will see Vodafone and the IRFU work together to use both new and existing technology to create events, activations and content that will benefit all rugby fans and Vodafone customers in Ireland.
Anne O’Leary, Vodafone Ireland CEO said
“Vodafone Ireland has had a proud association with Irish rugby since 2016 and we are delighted to further extend our rugby sponsorship to incorporate the British & Irish Lions in 2021. Vodafone and the Lions are united by a shared passion and commitment to connect people to each other and the things they love – in this case, the highly anticipated Tour against the World Champions.
The Lions team bonds nations that normally compete, brings families and friends together and connects entire communities – just like Vodafone does. We are looking forward to using the power of technology across Vodafone’s award winning network in Ireland to give fans the best ever experience, whether at home or on tour”.
Delighted to see that our sponsor @VodafoneIreland will partner the @lionsofficial for the 2021 tour. pic.twitter.com/iVU8LblgXQ
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 27, 2020
Ben Calveley, Managing Director of the British & Irish Lions, added “Today’s announcement represents two iconic brands coming together. Along with supporting Warren and the team, Vodafone will also help to enhance the experience of Lions supporters through the very best technology and innovation. The fans are a crucial aspect of any Lions tour and we will need to ensure they feel part of the team, to ignite their incredible support, if we are to overcome the World Champions.
In Vodafone we have found a partner who share our passion for connectivity, and we are delighted to have them on board to enhance the experience of the Lions fans across the world.”
Warren Gatland, Head Coach for the British & Irish Lions, commented: “I am excited to welcome aboard Vodafone as team sponsor for the tour next summer. The key to a successful Lions Tour is about players coming together quickly and staying united behind one common goal – to win a Test series against the World Champions in South Africa.
I cannot think of a brand that knows more about bringing people together than Vodafone. I am sure they will play an important role in supporting the team on and off the pitch, as well as ensuring the Tour is a unique experience for all Lions supporters.”
The partnership will be amplified through a multi-platform campaign using the hashtag #unitethepride