The agreement links Wales – who beat South Africa at the Millennium Stadium for only the second time in their history on Saturday – and Vitality, giving them a wide range of assets, from stadium TV advertising to money-can’t-buy experiences for its members. The partnership is aimed at raising the profile of health and life insurance among a very important target market.
Rugby fans across the UK and the world will see Vitality branding on LED perimeter boards, and from the opening match of the 2015 RBS 6 Nations, Vitality branded clothing will be worn by Wales’ matchday medical staff, including Prav Mathema, Mark Davies (pictured) and Dr Geoff Williams.
As part of the agreement, new and existing Vitality members will also have the chance to win tickets, signed merchandise and the opportunity to meet star players from both the men’s and women’s international rugby teams.
Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality said: “We believe in the power of sport to help inspire people to live a healthy life, which is why we partner with leading sport organisations, teams and athletes to help us spread the Vitality message. Our partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union is the latest move in our goal of changing the game when it comes to people’s health.
Vitality is delighted to be extending its reach to the world of rugby at an exciting time for the sport with the 2015 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, as well as rugby’s inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.”
Seeking to further grow Vitality’s awareness within the UK, and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, the move into rugby further strengthens Vitality’s position in top level sport. Vitality already partners with Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, and Manchester City FC, as well as cricket Test Match Grounds across the UK. The brand is the title sponsor of the Vitality Run Series and the ITU’s Vitality World Triathlon London.
Vitality’s latest partnership with the WRU follows the company’s successful re-brand from PruHealth and PruProtect.
Roger Lewis, Chief Executive of the WRU said: “Vitality’s health and life insurance is a perfect fit for the WRU; their unique products encourage and advise members on the right steps to take for a healthier lifestyle; which is an aim the WRU shares.
“Health insurance is an important part of the game, and we are proud to have found such a major organisation offering a bespoke product to suit our national sport with so many shared values, and it is with great pleasure that we launch this new partnership following the weekend of such a great win against the Springboks.”
As well as discounted gym membership and half price health screens, Vitality rewards members for taking steps to improve their health with cashback on holidays and a weekly cinema ticket.
Vitality members can find out more about the sponsorship at http://vitality.co.uk
