St Austell to sponsor grass roots rugby

September 11, 2007: St Austell Brewery is to make its award-winning Tribute ale brand the main sponsor for 14 South West rugby leagues.

The sponsorship will encompass 157 rugby teams competing in leagues level six and below.

St Austell's involvement will aid the development of the sport across the region, while the applicable clubs will gain new funding opportunities, equipment and support for social events. The brewery is no strangers to rugby, being already a sponsor of a number of individual clubs, including Redruth, St Austell, Newquay Hornets, Hayle and St Ives.

Managing director James Staughton said: "As a South West based family firm for the past 156 years we're delighted to be supporting the region's rugby clubs, which have such strong links with our local communities in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. We think it is particularly fitting that Tribute, as the South West's favourite real ale, should be supporting the South West's favourite sport.

"From a business point of view it is a considerable investment for the brewery and shows our confidence in this great beer and our willingness to investing in our ambition of seeing Tribute established as a leading regional brand with national aspirations."

Mike Gee, secretary of the South West Divisional Organising Committee, added: "We are delighted to have St Austell Brewery on board to sponsor clubs in the far South West. This is great news for rugby in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, and the three constituency bodies and the South West Divisional Organising Committee are looking forward to a successful partnership in the years to come with St Austell Brewery."

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