FORCE & FUGRO-TSM WELCOME ‘NEW ERA’ IN AUSTRALIAN RUGBY

**Darren** · 30-11-15, 09:42

The Western Force and leading sub-sea contractor to the natural resource and marine industries, Fugro-TSM, have extended their strong partnership for a ninth successive season.

The new agreement will see the Perth-based company’s brand continue to feature on the sleeve of the Western Force playing jerseys, as well as on the chest of Western Force team and staff training shirts for the 2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby season providing local, national and international exposure for the organisation.

Fugro-TSM, initially TS Marine, has been a sponsor of the Western Force since 2008.

RugbyWA CEO, Mark Sinderberry says the new partnership coincides with a new era in Australian rugby and Asteron Life Super Rugby.

“On the back of an outstanding Rugby World Cup and an expanded Super Rugby competition in 2016, it’s a very exciting time to be involved in rugby, particularly in Australia,” he said.

“This year’s expansion, particularly into Asia with the introduction of the Japanese Sunwolves represents an enormous opportunity for many of our commercial partners, such as Fugro-TSM, who have such a strong market in Asia.

“Similarly, the flow-on from the World Cup represents a big opportunity for our game here, not least of which is hosting the semi-final rematch between the Wallabies and Argentina in Perth at nib Stadium in September next year.

“With a new TV broadcast deal also providing assistance to all levels of our code, it shows that our game is in a very healthy position moving forward.

“As we enter this new era in Australian rugby, we’re very proud to be featuring a strong brand like Fugro-TSM on our training and playing wear in 2016. I’d like to thank Colin and Fugro-TSM for their support over the past eight years, and welcome them on board for next season.”

Fugro-TSM’s Asia Pacific Regional Director Subsea, Colin McGinnis says the company is proud to continue its longstanding relationship with the Western Force.

“We look forward to continuing our long and fruitful association with the Western Force and RugbyWA in 2016, in what we know will be another landmark season of Super Rugby in the expanded competition,” he said.

**Darren** · 30-11-15, 09:45

I must say, I still find it refreshing to read press releases where the team is referred to as "The Western Force" rather than "The Name_Sponsor Western Force" ... If they can keep it up, I reckon individual jersey sponsors should continue to be the way forward.