IHG scrums down with Rugby Australia
New agreement extends relationship beyond 20-year mark
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Rugby Australia have extended an agreement which will see the hotel group continue as the Official Hotel Provider for the Wallabies and Official Supplier of the Wallabies, until the end of 2024.
As part of the agreement, which now dates back two decades, all Rugby Australia teams, including the Wallabies, Wallaroos, Men’s and Women’s 7’s teams and Super W teams, will stay at IHG hotels around Australia and New Zealand, along with Rugby Australia operations teams and executives.
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In a further coup for the hotel group, IHG has also extended its exclusive hotel partner agreement with SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australian Rugby).
IHG Vice President of Commercial for IHG Japan, Australasia and Pacific, Dean Jones said the company has had a long relationship with Rugby Australia and was honoured to be both extending the partnership with Rugby Australia and SANZAR, as well as celebrating 20 successful years working together and hosting players and staff across its network.
“Our hotel teams love hosting the Wallabies and players from across the globe and providing a safe and secure environment allowing them to perform at their best on the field. The extension of the Rugby Australia and SANZAR contracts is a clear sign of confidence in our capabilities and we’re thrilled to be extending these partnerships.”
SANZAR CEO, Brendan Morris, said SANZAR is delighted to be extending its long term partnership with IHG.
“In managing two of the best international rugby competitions, it is important to provide the teams with world class support to be able to perform at their best,” he said.
“With IHG we know we are partnering with the best in the business.”
Echoing Mr Morris’ words, Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos, said “IHG remains a valued partner of Rugby Australia, as evidenced by the decades-long relationship.
“They have stuck by us through the peaks and troughs, always making sure our teams feel welcomed and at home away from home.
“To be able to extend this relationship shows an alignment of values and passion for the game, and we are extremely grateful to be able to count on IHG as a longstanding partner of our game.”
IHG has also announced a partnership agreement with the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) through to the end of the 2025 season, further cementing IHG’s support of the global game of Rugby.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
