Is Newstead a new sponsor? was there one last year? i don't recall
yep, new sponsor:
Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) craft beer partner Newstead Brewing Co. has extended its commercial partnership to include the Queensland Premier Rugby competition.
In 2019, Queensland Premier Rugby’s first grade competition will be known as the Newstead Brewing Hospital Challenge Cup.
“Newstead Brewing Co. are delighted to become the naming rights sponsor for the 2019 Newstead Brewing Hospital Challenge Cup,” said Newstead Brewing Co. Chairman Peter Howes.
“Newstead Brewing Co. has been founded, owned and managed by the Howes family on the principles of quality and community. As a passionate Rugby family, who have, together, attended the last four Rugby World Cups, we are personally and professionally thrilled to be able to promote excellent, grassroots Rugby.
“We look forward to supporting the Rugby community and look forward to being part of a quality 2019 Queensland Premier Rugby Competition,” Mr. Howes added.
Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham said: “Queensland Premier Rugby’s reach is growing every season and the investment into Rugby from Newstead Brewing Co. is great recognition of the hard work put into the competition by volunteers and staff at the clubs involved, as well as QRU’s administrative staff.
“Newstead’s dedication to Rugby can now be seen at various levels of the game, and we’re thankful for their valuable support of Rugby in Queensland.
“Over the past five years we’ve seen Queensland Premier Rugby grow from one live streamed game a week, to now have four games live and free for fans each week, as well as a replay of the ‘Match of the Round’ by FOX SPORTS during the week.
“The growth in interest and participation around the competition has attracted corporate sponsorship with Newstead’s new naming-rights partnership a welcome addition for 2019. Their investment will help us to continue to drive outcomes for Club Rugby in Queensland.”
Weekly promotional video and digital content produced in house at QRU to increase avidity around the competition, including a digital program, written website content and video packages.
The first Round of the Newstead Brewing Hospital Challenge Cup kicks off this Saturday, with eight of the nine clubs in action.
The first Match of the Round for 2019 will see University of Queensland host Easts at St.Lucia where the Bunter Bowl will be on the line.
Queensland Premier Rugby Round 1 Fixtures:
University of Queensland v Easts, St.Lucia, 3:20pm (Match of the Round)
Norths v Wests, Hugh Courtney Oval, 3:20pm
Sunnybank v Souths, Oldmac Oval, 3:20pm
Brothers v Bond University, Crosby Park, 3:20pm
GPS Bye