European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) are delighted to announce a three-year partnership with Georgia Rugby Marketing Hub as an Official Global Partner of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.
The partnership – which is EPCR’s first partnership in the tourism sector – will promote Georgia as a year-round tourist destination and showcase Georgian traditions, culture and national products.
EPCR Chief Executive, Jacques Raynaud, said: "This is a very exciting new partnership for EPCR and we are delighted to welcome the Georgia Rugby Marketing Hub into the EPCR partner family.
"A key pillar of our ambitious strategy is to reach new audiences and we look forward to fans getting to know Georgia beyond their rugby roots.
"As a Official Partner in the tourism sector for EPCR, we are thrilled to continue EPCR’s positive commercial momentum ahead of the coming season, which sees Investec also joining the EPCR partner family as Title Partner for the Investec Champions Cup."
The partnership includes digital rights across EPCR’s social channels and website, as well as LED and perimeter boards at EPCR match days.
Georgia’s Black Lion will compete in the EPCR Challenge Cup as an invitational club in an historic first for the country and competition. Ioseb Tkemaladze, President of the Georgian Rugby Union, said:
"We are immensely grateful to EPCR for this amazing opportunity allowing the world to see the beautiful country of Georgia, homeland of the Lelo-ball and Georgian rugby. I am sure the multi-million audience of the global rugby family will appreciate the great sights that will be unfolded for them in Georgia.
"We welcome the competing teams and their numerous fans to visit our country with open heart and friendship, and I am sure this expansion of the competition to a new frontier will further promote and benefit Rugby and Georgia. This co-operation will set a new benchmark and an example for others to follow.
"I would personally like to thank EPCR President, Dominic McKay, and CEO, Jacques Raynaud, together with their super team, for their incredible support and most productive co-operation."
Raynaud added: "We are very excited to be expanding our partnership with Georgia beyond rugby. We know our clubs will thoroughly enjoy their trips to Tbilisi and encourage our fans to get to know the nation beyond the stadium."
