30 June 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RUGBY ONTARIO ANNOUNCES THE RUGBY SHOP AS OFFICIAL KIT & MERCHANDISING PARTNER
WHITBY, ON – Rugby Ontario and The Rugby Shop are pleased to announce a new multi-year marketing, apparel and merchandising partnership. The Rugby Shop becomes the Official Kit and Merchandising Partner of Rugby Ontario, Canada’s largest Provincial Rugby Union. The Rugby Shop is the exclusive provider of Canterbury – a global rugby company with a deep-rooted history in the sport – and will become the official on-field and off-field branded kit for
Rugby Ontario.
This new partnership will focus on providing Rugby Ontario and the Ontario Blues provincial high performance programs with quality rugby products, and a merchandise program curating the best kit and apparel for rugby enthusiasts. The Rugby Shop is committed to supporting Rugby Ontario in raising the profile of the sport in communities across Ontario. This will come to life through various marketing initiatives, including a fully serviced online retail store Powered by The Rugby Shop (http://www.therugbyshop.com/pages/rugby-ontario). Together, Rugby Ontario and The Rugby Shop will design and promote an exclusive range of rugby apparel for retail and provincial teams, academies and grassroots programs.
“Rugby Ontario is very excited to be joining The Rugby Shop and Canterbury family,” said Myles Spencer, Rugby Ontario CEO. “We look forward to working with The Rugby Shop, utilizing their experience in online merchandising to strategically bring the Rugby Ontario brand to life. To partner with an iconic rugby brand like Canterbury, who also support many of the world’s best
national unions and professional teams, is a tremendous opportunity for our organization.”
With deep ties in the rugby community, The Rugby Shop, a Canadian based, full-service North American rugby provider and merchandising company, has partnered with many Canadian and North American rugby properties, including other Provincial Unions, the Toronto Arrows RFC and Professional Rugby franchises and national grassroots programs. “Our team at The Rugby Shop is extremely proud and very excited for this long-term partnership,” said Jason (Jmac) Macdonald, The Rugby Shop Co-Founder & CEO. “Pairing
Rugby Ontario with Canterbury, the world’s most recognizable rugby brand, is a natural fit. We look forward to working with Rugby Ontario and growing our engagement in Ontario rugby community initiatives.”
Karen Lozada, Ontario’s Representative for The Rugby Shop adds, “As a past Rugby Ontario player, referee, club coach and administrator, I am honored to build on the legacy and pride we all feel, whether in the stands or on the field. I am privileged to work with Rugby Ontario, the athletes, supporters, clubs and schools, to showcase their commitment and dedication to their programs through their on/off field apparel, and at community events.”
Rugby Ontario, The Rugby Shop and Canterbury are collaborating on a collection of men’s and women’s rugby kit, which will become available with the launch of the new online store in the coming days. Rugby Ontario invites any interested rugby clubs and organizations to reach out to learn more about creating their own merchandising program and online store powered by The Rugby Shop.
Contact us at: info@rugbyontario.com (subject: The Rugby Shop).
About The Rugby Shop:
The Rugby Shop Group is a Canadian-based rugby business and industry leader founded and operated by experienced Rugby enthusiasts. The Rugby Shop team are players, coaches, referees and fans invested in growing the sport of Rugby throughout North America. To learn more about The Rugby Shop, visit www.therugbyshop.com
To contact your Rugby Shop Ontario representative: Karen Lozada: karen@therugbyshop.com
About Rugby Ontario:
Rugby Ontario is the provincial sport’s governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to establish a stronger identity for rugby in Ontario by promoting the sport’s core values and by fostering a culture of inclusiveness and excellence on and off the field of play.
To learn more, visit www.rugbyontario.com
Rugby Ontario
Abilities Centre www.rugbyontario.com
55 Gordon Street,
Whitby ON L1N 0J2
Tel: 647 560 4790
Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Cultural Industries and the Canadian Government
