The RU Group, one of the region’s leading wealth management and financial advice firms, has secured key sponsorship of Nottingham Rugby Club for the 2021/22 season, starting this September.
Nottingham Rugby Club, established in 1877 and now based at Lady Bay in Nottingham, was forced to adjust in the pandemic, as with all sporting venues and hospitality businesses.
Usually, a thriving business on and off the pitch, the club had to cut down to a part-time model, holding bi-weekly training sessions, carrying out regular testing and adhering to strict covid-19 restrictions during match days. The events and hospitality side of the business was closed due to government guidance and many of the clubs’ players were put on furlough, taking up other jobs whilst training was reduced.
Now, with sporting fixtures almost back in full swing, matches back to capacity and the club’s sports bar and marquee open and available for a range private hire and public events the club is looking forward to a prosperous season ahead.
Ian Browne, The RU Group’s Head of Financial Planning and Marketing, said: “As a business we are keen to support regional organisations making a difference in their local area. With its sporting achievements and its work in the community, Nottingham Rugby Club is a great fit for us.
“The ‘Work-Train-Play’ scheme they offer allows Championship and Premiership level players the opportunity to continue to play in the second tier of English rugby, whilst pursuing a career path to set them up for life beyond rugby. It also gives talented young players a pathway into professional rugby whilst setting them up with a higher education qualification for future careers within professional or financial services, among other sectors. This is very much aligned to the RU Group’s own culture of learning and development and we look forward to building our partnership with the club through sponsorship of the forthcoming season.”
Commenting on the recent year, Nottingham Rugby Club’s Chief Operating Officer, Steve Smith, says: “It’s been a challenging year for the club, but we’re looking towards the future when sport can regain some normality and we can open up our event programme, including gin and beer festivals, vintage fayres, TV sporting events and club nights for members.
“It’s great to have The RU Group on board with this sponsorship alongside other Nottingham local businesses.”
As a sponsor The RU Group will receive access to an exclusive text board alongside the pitch as well as a dedicated sponsorship page with logo in the clubs’ programme and social media collaborations.