Samsung becomes RFU’s Official Consumer Electronics & Smartphone Partner

Summary:

• The three year agreement will see Samsung become a key technology supplier to the RFU and England Rugby Team.

Samsung becomes RFU’s Official Consumer Electronics & Smartphone Partner

England Rugby to benefit from the latest Samsung technology

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced a long-term partnership with leading electronics provider Samsung.  The three year agreement will see Samsung become a key technology supplier as the Consumer Electronics & Smartphone Partner and Official Home Technology Partner to the RFU and England Rugby Team.

As the UK’s leading manufacturer of large format displays, Samsung will install over 700 state-of-the-art digital screens throughout Twickenham Stadium, with further displays integrated into England Rugby’s training ground at Pennyhill Park. The Samsung Smart Signage products will significantly enhance the fans’ experience and benefit elite and grassroots player levels, reflecting the growing importance of technology in enhancing the game.

The agreement will also benefit over 2,000 RFU affiliated grassroots rugby clubs across the UK, giving them a unique purchase offering with access to Samsung’s Smart Signage and other coaching technologies.

As Official Partner to England Rugby, Samsung will also benefit from an extensive range of sponsorship rights including match day branding rights, hospitality packages and category exclusivity in consumer electronic & smartphone products.

Sophie Goldschmidt, RFU Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Samsung to our partnership family, a brand that is internationally renowned as an innovative industry leader. There are natural synergies between Samsung and the RFU, as sport and technology become increasingly intertwined and we both strive to be at the forefront within our specialty areas. This partnership importantly supports both the elite and grassroots levels. In 2012 we committed to invest £76m into the development of a modern, connected stadium, and the partnership with Samsung is another stepping stone to achieving our goal. We look forward to working closely with Samsung to benefit the future of English rugby.”

Andy Griffiths, President of Samsung Electronics UK, said: “Samsung has long been committed to sport, both in the UK and globally, and we take pride in bringing fans closer to their passions and creating unforgettable experiences through our technology. Partnering with the RFU and England Rugby team is a very exciting step for us ahead of what will undoubtedly be a fantastic year for the nation. The installation of leading Samsung technology at Twickenham and Pennyhill Park will not only support the England team, but will bring fans closer to the game than ever before, ensuring that they don’t miss a single kick, try or tackle.”

Coinciding with the new partnership announcement is the launch of the ‘Samsung Try of the Month’, a new competition to engage fans and players across all levels and age grades of rugby. Samsung Try of the Month will run throughout the 2014/2015 rugby season with fans and players encouraged to upload their nominations directly to http://www.englandrugby.com/news/enter-now-for-try-the-month/. Each month nominated tries will be judged by a different England rugby personality, beginning with World Cup winner, Richard Hill. The winning rugby club will receive £1,000 to spend on the latest Samsung technology to upgrade their clubhouse facilities. The winning nominee will receive the latest Samsung smartphone. 

For more information visit www.facebook.com/SamsungSport or Twitter @SamsungSport.

For further information on Samsung Try of the Month, visit http://www.englandrugby.com/news/enter-now-for-try-the-month/.