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Bundaberg may call last drinks
By Michael Sainsbury
July 14, 2008 MULTI-million dollar sponsorships of the Australian Rugby team could be headed for a shake-up with the Wallabies' second biggest corporate backer Bundaberg Rum considering hanging up its boots.
The drinks group is believed to pay about $2 million each year for its sponsorship, second only to the team's naming-rights sponsor Qantas which provides a package of cash and travel worth up to $5 million a year.
The ARU is in advanced talks concerning Bundaberg's sponsorship and the third spot on the sponsors' list held by mobile phone company Vodafone, both of which fall due at the end of this year.
Vodafone was the first company to have its name on the Wallabies' jersey and has been a sponsor of the team in some form since 1996, apart from a couple of years.
The mobile phone company, whose present sponsorship is thought to cost less than $1 million each year, is understood to be keen to step up and take Bundaberg's spot if it becomes available.
Vodafone marketing chief John Casey declined to discuss details of the company's discussions with the ARU but said the UK-owned group was a strong supporter of the team.
"It has been a great property and partnership for us and we are looking to continue our association with the Wallabies," Casey said.
Vodafone is understood to have been part of a two-company ARU auction for the Wallabies' naming rights before last year's World Cup but the incumbent sponsor Qantas agreed to re-sign.
AAP
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