irgin Mobile, the UK's fastest growing network, has renewed its sponsorship of Bath Rugby, one of Britain's most popular rugby union clubs. Trowbridge-based Virgin Mobile has been a club sponsor for the past two years and the new deal extends this for a further two seasons.
The two-year deal includes Virgin Mobile's logo emblazoned on the playing shirt, hospitality and signage at the ground plus sponsorship of the Virgin Mobile Man of the Match service - where supporters can text their votes during the game for their chosen player and the results are displayed on screen at the Rec.
In addition, Virgin Mobile is the title sponsor of the new enlarged East Stand - now known as the Virgin Mobile Stand. Planning approval was granted in August and will be built in time for the first game of the season on 20th September against Northampton Saints. The Virgin Mobile Stand accommodates 4,300 people.
Andrew Ralston, customer relationship director of Virgin Mobile, said: "We are delighted to be renewing our sponsorship of Bath Rugby, our local club. This is a very exciting time at Bath Rugby - with 16 new players signed over the summer and a new head coach appointed in John Connolly. We are also very pleased to be sponsoring the new Virgin Mobile Stand, which increases capacity at the Recreation Ground to nearly 10,000 and provides better facilities for fans - many of whom are staff at Virgin Mobile."
Tim Davies, commercial director at Bath Rugby Club, said: "It is great that Virgin Mobile has extended its sponsorship of the Club. They are a major local company and have been a very enthusiastic and supportive sponsor. The Virgin Mobile Man of the Match text service which was introduced last season was a big hit with our supporters and the new Virgin Mobile Stand represents a major step forward for our ground next season."