IRFU confirm new kit sponsorship worth £3m

The IRFU yesterday confirmed a new playing-kit sponsorship deal with Canterbury of New Zealand which will come into effect from the beginning of next season (2000-2001). The agreement is worth in excess of u3 million £3 million over five years to the union.

Canterbury, the world's largest dedicated rugby gear company, will supply the Ireland senior team, A team, under-21, under-19, youths and schoolboy national sides. The contract includes home and alternative playing strips plus a range of branded training and leisure wear. The company already sponsors the four provincial sides. International clients include Australia, Scotland, Canada, Tonga, Fiji, Japan and Namibia.

"We are delighted that an organisation of the stature of Canterbury of New Zealand should become a partner with the IRFU," stated IRFU president Billy Lavery yesterday. "It is a massive vote of confidence in the future of Irish rugby that one of the world's most renowned sports kit companies should wish to join the union in such a substantial sponsorship arrangement."

Canterbury will take over from existing sponsors Nike.

Meanwhile, the Irish Permanent are auctioning two VIP packages to the Six Nations Championship match between Ireland and Wales at Lansdowne on Saturday. The offer includes two West Stand Lower tickets plus pre and post-match entertainment and an opportunity to meet Ireland team members.

The auction takes place on the web at www.ebid.ie and bids will be taken until 2.0 p.m. today. u100. The first bid was £100.

If Ireland beat Wales this Saturday at Lansdowne Road it will lead to a bad hair day for Malcolm O'Kelly. The Irish lock has agreed to have his head shaved by Sinead O'Connor, in the event of an Irish victory, in support of the Hairdresser's Appeal for the Homeless.

The appeal, which is the brainchild of the Blackrock-based hairdresser Aidan Fitzgerald, is trying to raise £250,000 in the next three months essentially to build shelters for the homeless.