Posted on 18 December 2019
NBS is proud to be major sponsor of the Tasman Rugby Union since 2014, including sponsorship of community rugby in the region as well as the Tasman Mako men and women senior teams.
Tasman Rugby Marketing Manager Les Edwards says the support the Union receives from NBS is critical for ensuring it can administer and manage rugby for its 5,800 players.
“NBS is the major sponsor – their logo is on the back of the jersey above the numbers. They’re a strong community brand and we’re one of the largest sporting organisations in the region, providing rugby for boys and girls from a young age to senior rugby for men and women. It’s a great community partnership. Without them, we just wouldn’t be able to deliver what we do at the grassroots of our game,” he says.
Les says NBS’ support also allows the Union to field nationally televised teams in the National Provincial Championships, the Mitre 10 Cup for men and the Farah Palmer Cup for women.
According to Les, Tasman Rugby Union is absolutely delighted The Mako won the Mitre 10 Cup in 2019. “The public has been hugely supportive as it’s the community’s team. The Cup has been around NBS branches in the top of the South so people could get a good look at in person and meet some of the players,” he says. “Our players spend a lot of time in the community – they’re terrific role models for young people and are admired for their humbleness as well as their ability.”
The team feels both elated and relieved to have finally won the Cup, he says.
“It’s been a journey since 2014 when they were promoted to the premiership. Three times in the Final without winning it and now fourth time lucky. It’s definitely a monkey off the back, and great to finally reward our sponsors, supporters and the fans.”
Howie Timms, Commercial Manager at NBS, says NBS is proud to support the Tasman Rugby Union. “Our decision to be a long time sponsor the TRU is not just about the Mako, it’s ultimately about the well-being of rugby in our local community. The success of the Mako franchise, which features many players originally from Tasman, motivates and creates a clear pathway for our young players to compete at an elite level,” he says.