All Blacks fan Tim Cronin from RugbyShirts.net looks at the companies who could be vying for the Irish jersey in the wake of Puma ending their deal…
Interesting times lie ahead for the powers-that-be at Ireland Rugby as they look to establish a new apparel sponsorship, with the marketplace full of companies looking to align themselves with the globe's biggest brands.
Puma, who are spread around a diverse array of sports that encompasses everything from Formula One to Athletics, are currently embarking on their biggest restructuring in 20 years, and have left themselves without a major player on the International scene. With that said there are rumours they may look to build on the relationship they have with the Bulls and the Cheetahs by making a move for the Springboks.
If Puma did grab the 'Boks that would free up some money at CCC, but it's unlikely they would look to re-establish themselves with Ireland, with England acting as their marquee side in Europe at the moment, and a long list of Heineken Cup sides, including Leinster and the Tigers, further draining their cash reserves.
Nike are another major player who have let their involvement in Rugby at the top level slide somewhat of late, with Argentina the only national side of note to wear the 'Swoosh', and Saracens and Toulouse the only club sides worthy of a mention.
Kooga, and it's subsidiary brand BLK, which is being phased-out, could well be interested in the Irish deal. Already established in the Southern Hemisphere with a large presence in Australia and the Pacific Islands, Kooga currently looks after the Ospreys and Worcester, and may well be looking for a Northern Hemisphere test side to add to its list of clients.
Then there are a host of new names on the scene, including Scotland's new sponsor Macron. The deal with Italian company Macron, who also count football sides Leeds United and Aston Villa as clients, encompasses the countries' two professional clubs, Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well.
Under Armour are a rapidly expanding company, with football side Tottenham Hotspur recently joining Welsh rugby as the organisations' most significant sponsorship deals, while Kukri, who manufacture kits for Ulster and Wasps, are quickly becoming a significant player in the Rugby arena.
Of interest also will be the boot deals, with a number of Ireland's front-line players currently sporting Puma boots, the most significant of whom is probably Jamie Heaslip, who was a figurehead for Puma's EvoSPEED boots when they were released last year.
The options have never been more abundant, and whoever they end up with, Irish Rugby will no doubt be face with a number of enticing offers and some difficult decisions to make in the coming months.
Tim Cronin is a Rugby fan and full time writer based in the rubble of the Canterbury Crusaders’ home town, Christchurch. Tim is a part of the Pukeko Sportsteam, where his role is watching, writing, and complaining about all things rugby.
