English Rugby
RFU announces new deal with GSK
ESPNscrum Staff
January 17, 2012
Stuart Lancaster poses at England's training base in Leeds, West Park Leeds RUFC, Leeds, England, January 11, 2012
Stuart Lancaster leads England into the 2012 Six Nations which starts on February 4 © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Martyn Thomas | John Steele
Teams: England

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced that they have signed a four-year sponsorship deal with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

GSK are responsible for products such as Lucozade and Maximuscle with both now being used by the England rugby squads from senior level down to youth. The news follows a turbulent period in the RFU's history which saw CEO John Steele depart and former chairman Martyn Thomas departing soon after. But the announcement marks the first commercial deal since Sophie Goldschmidt left the NBA to take over as the RFU's chief commercial officer.

And Goldschmidt is delighted with the deal that will run until 2016 - taking in the 2015 World Cup in the process.

"We are excited about our new strategic partnership with GSK's Consumer Healthcare business," Goldschmidt said. "Lucozade Sport and Maximuscle are leaders in their field and are highly respected within the industry. This partnership will benefit all levels of the RFU's elite game, providing products and tailored nutritional expertise to England's Senior, Saxons, Sevens and Women's squads - this reinforces our commitment to excellence across all levels."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.