Queensland’s Premier Rugby competition has been officially launched for 2011 with a new Naming Rights Sponsor to help take the game to new heights.
Queensland Rugby Union has announced Strategic Airlines will sponsor the competition in 2011 to become the Strategic Airlines Queensland Premier Rugby competition.
Queensland Rugby’s General Manager for Community Rugby, David Hanham,
welcomed Strategic Airlines involvement in the Community game.
“Rugby is growing across Queensland in participation and support and it is satisfying to see our corporate partners recognising that also. Strategic Airlines will gain access to our community rugby stakeholders to promote their services and create meaningful partnerships.”
As part of their Naming Rights sponsorship agreement Strategic Airlines will build relationships with each of the Clubs including signage opportunities and the promotion of their many Queensland, Australian and overseas services.
Former Brothers and Queensland B fullback Paul O'Brien, now Strategic Airlines' National Commercial and Resources Manager, said the agreement signals the airline’s strong interest in Queensland Rugby and the Code in general.
“As an emerging airline we wanted to support emerging players of the future and the premier grade competition allows us to do this,” he said.
“We believe in the future of Rugby and we understand that the Community game in Queensland is perhaps Australia’s best breeding ground for Australian talent.
“The Strategic Airlines Queensland Premier Rugby competition is the elite end of that Community game, producing Reds and Wallaby players of the future. We are also pleased to be able to maximise exposure of our brand throughout Queensland in such an important competition.”
Queensland Premier Rugby evolved out of the Brisbane club competition and was created by players, administrators, referees and coaches to expand and improve the top level of Queensland non-professional rugby.
The competition provides a stepping stone to Super Rugby or other professional rugby competitions.
In 2011 the Strategic Airlines Premier Rugby Competition involves eight teams from Brisbane and one each from the rugby regions of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. University were the 2010 Premiers.
The participating clubs and regions in QPR are:
Brothers Souths
Easts Sunnybank
Rugby Gold Coast Sunshine Coast Stingrays
GPS University
North Brisbane Wests
The Strategic Airlines Queensland Premier Rugby Competition officially kicks off on the 30th of April.