Munster agree a €3m deal

Sponsorship: Toyota Ireland have agreed a €3 million sponsorship deal over three years with the Munster senior provincial rugby team starting next month.

The Japanese car company also confirmed the sponsorship deal takes account of the next generation of Munster senior players as their backing also includes the Munster under-21 provincial squad.

In addition to a basic sponsorship fee, Toyota's commitment to Munster is further highlighted in an add-on incentive-based package related to qualification and progress made in the Heineken European Cup and the Celtic League.

Dr Tim Mahony, chairman of Toyota Ireland, said: "We are delighted to have the opportunity to become sponsors of the Munster team. Munster and their many, many thousands of fans have brought an unrivalled sense of occasion and exhilaration to rugby in Ireland and across Europe - and indeed by reputation further afield.

"I am putting emphasis on the partnership aspect of this arrangement because I wish to stress that Toyota Ireland intends to be particularly active in promoting this association and we believe that our efforts will help to boost the Munster brand and rugby in general, as well as the Toyota name.

"While both sides have agreed on confidentiality in relation to the specific sums we estimate that we will invest some €3 million over the coming three years in the actual sponsorship, bonus elements and support promotional activities now being planned."

Garrett Fitzgerald, IRFU Munster Branch chief executive, said: "We warmly welcome Toyota as our new sponsors. It is very satisfying for us to know that a company of this size and stature, both within Ireland and internationally, is committing itself to the cause of Munster rugby over the next three years."

Meanwhile, England winger Jason Robinson asked not to be picked for the June tour of New Zealand and Australia because of exhaustion, coach Clive Woodward said yesterday.

Woodward decided to leave out Robinson and his World Cup-winning team-mates, centre Will Greenwood and lock Ben Kay. "The only person who asked me for a break was Jason. He told me he hasn't had a break in summer since 1992," said Woodward . "Greenwood and Kay both wanted to go but I think they need a summer off."

England play two Tests in New Zealand on June 12th and 19th followed by a match against Australia on June 26th in Brisbane. Woodward is not worried by this heavy schedule: "Everyone's mindset is to go to New Zealand and Australia and win . . . you want to go to the toughest places like New Zealand and Australia and play."