The Queensland Rugby Union is delighted to announce that Ford Australia has come on board as the Official Automotive Partner of the QRU and Queensland Reds for at least the next three years.
The Ford logo will be proudly displayed on the Reds’ playing shorts, as well as the shoulder of the Coach Media Polo and the collar of Queensland Reds Under-15s, U16s and U19s training and playing jerseys.
QRU staff around the state will be behind the wheels of a fleet of F-150 vehicles. Reds and Community Rugby operational staff will also be able to transport equipment with ease in Reds-branded Transit Vans.
QRU Chief Executive David Hanham said that the entire organisation was thrilled to welcome Ford on board.
“We are thrilled to be embarking on this exciting journey with an iconic partner, Ford Australia,” Hanham said. “The QRU and Ford share a deep-rooted culture of connection and passion, each built on more than a century of legacy.
“This is an extremely proud moment for both organisations. This partnership unites two iconic brands with rich histories and a commitment to excellence and innovation. Together, we will build a best-in-class partnership.
“Rugby Runs Red in Queensland and we’re delighted to have Ford Australia running with us all across our great state.”
Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia, said: “We are excited to become the Official Automotive Partner of the Queensland Rugby Union, reinforcing our commitment to Queensland rugby and its communities.
“Ford has been fuelling the ambitions and passions of our Australian customers for more than a century. From match days to the family road trip, we are proud to power the everyday journeys and new adventures that bring rugby fans together.”
Ford joins an outstanding suite of commercial partners at the QRU and on the Reds' Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s apparel, including Principal Partner BMS Group, Santos, Bank of Queensland, Canterbury, Alliance Airlines, Rio Tinto, TFH, StoreLocal and Niltech.
The partnership will also provide opportunities for Ford to activate on Reds match days, to deliver Fan Days featuring community clinics and Reds player appearances, and to produce branded content for Reds social media channels.
The partnership between the QRU and Ford was celebrated when unveiled to the entire Australian dealership network at a function in Melbourne in late November. QRU representatives joined counterparts from other key Ford partnerships including Geelong Football Club, Red Cross Australia, Queensland Rugby League, Golf NSW and Basketball Australia.
“Similarly to when Bank of Queensland committed to us earlier this year, we’ve been able to identify a prospective partner a long way out and work with them to demonstrate who we are and what we stand for, and pleasingly, it’s resonated with Ford Australia,” Hanham added.
Canterbury, Alliance Airlines, StoreLocal, Niltech, KDL Property Group, Ringers Western and La Banderita are among other partners to have renewed with the QRU this year, while Australian owned and operated electricity provider Sumo Energy recently signed on as the Naming Rights Partner of the Sumo Energy Hospital Cup and Sumo Energy Founders Cup.
