The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has today announced Westpac as the Queensland Reds new principal and front of jersey partner through 2023.
The two-year deal will build on the QRU’s existing 13-year partnership with the Westpac Group as St.George shifts to the sleeve of the Reds playing jersey for the 2022 season.
Ahead of this Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific season opener, Westpac’s iconic logo will be displayed front-and-centre on the Queensland Reds playing jersey as the reigning domestic champions host the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium.
In an equitable deal for the Queensland women’s program, the Westpac logo will be placed on the front of the Reds Super W jersey for the next two seasons as well.
With a longstanding commitment to helping Queensland communities thrive, a focus on supporting the development of women’s sport as well as encouraging equal opportunities and involvement in the game across all levels will be central to the partnership.
QRU CEO David Hanham said: “Today’s announcement with Westpac is one of the most significant in the history of the Queensland Rugby Union.
“It is a true partnership between two organisations dedicated to delivering and supporting the growth, development and advancement of the game in Queensland.
“Westpac has a large global footprint which is exciting ahead of the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season and the increased international exposure it’s set to provide to our partners.
“I’d like to thank St.George for their support over the past decade as principal naming rights partner. It has been critical to the development of Rugby throughout Queensland and we look forward to further growing our relationship with the Westpac group over the coming years,” said Hanham.
Westpac Chief Customer Engagement Officer Ross Miller said the partnership will also focus on developing the game throughout Queensland communities.
“We’re really excited to be building on our already longstanding partnership with Queensland Rugby Union. With over 1.6 million Westpac Group customers in Queensland and millions of rugby fans across the country, we also recognise the important role the sport plays throughout Australian communities.
“What’s really special about this partnership is that it’s more than just a sponsorship, but a collaboration that will focus on the development of the sport while also ensuring equal opportunities across all levels of the game – from grassroots to the elite,” Mr Miller said.
Recognising the important role of sport in Queensland communities, Westpac will commit $100,000 for local clubs with its inaugural Westpac Footy Grants program set to launch in 2022. Through the program, sporting clubs will have the chance to apply for funding to support with equipment, uniforms, club repairs or other administrative costs that help keep the club thriving in their local area.
Westpac will also donate $500 to the state’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service for every try scored by the Queensland Reds and Reds Super W teams throughout the entire 2022 season.
Operated by Surf Life Saving Queensland and supported by Westpac since 1976, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service plays a vital role in the state as a free community service that provides support through beach patrols, search and rescue missions and assisting with other emergency response incidents. Because of this support to date, no one has ever had to pay to be rescued.
Westpac joins an already strong list of sponsors including St.George, Santos, Rio Tinto, Dynasty Sport, TFH and Alliance Airlines as part of the Reds Family.
