Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid commented: "I am delighted to appoint Kukri as Official Kit Supplier and Merchandise Partner from the 2008-09 season. Their quality of on-field wear, speed of turnaround and flexibility were all important factors in our decision-making and I look forward to working with them."
"Kukri's merchandise partnership with the IRB at this year's U19 World Championship gives them an opportunity to showcase themselves further on the world scene and they're produced an exciting range of apparel for the tournament. However they've not forgotten their roots in the club game and their continued support of the Ulster Branch's Qualifying Leagues is testament to that."
Founded in 1999, Kukri has sales managers based in six countries and produces top quality sports wear for Rugby, Hockey, Netball and Cricket. In terms of local rugby clubs, Kukri supplies half of the senior clubs in Ulster with their team-wear and over half of the clubs that compete in the Qualifying Leagues.
Regional Sales Manager for Kukri Ireland, Terry Jackson, said; "Today's announcement of three major sponsorships of rugby at all levels, international, professional club and the amateur game, is the culmination of a lot of hard work and we are delighted. At Kukri we love sport and the positive difference it makes to all those who take part in it."
"First up is this year's U19 World Championship which promises to be the finest for many a year with an enormous amount of talent on show and we're are proud to be playing our part in the continued success of this prestigious International rugby showpiece. From there we'll turn our attention to our continuing support of the Ulster Branch Qualifying Leagues and look forward to working with Ulster Rugby ahead of the start of the 2008-09 season."
