Ospreys team up with Gullivers Sports Travel

Gullivers Sports Travel, the UK’s leading and longest established rugby tour operator, has been appointed the official travel partner of Ospreys Rugby.

The new partnership will see Gullivers managing all team travel requirements at senior and age-grade level, while the company will work closely with the Ospreys Supporters Club to provide great value, individually tailored package tours to selected Ospreys away fixtures.

Founded in 1972, Gullivers has more than 40 years of experience of sending sports fans overseas, and has organised trips to every Rugby World Cup and to numerous Lions tours. Since 2008, Gullivers has been part of TUI Travel PLC, the largest travel group in the world, ensuring access to better rates than would be available elsewhere.

Yarnie Guthrie, Ospreys Commercial Manager, said:

“This new partnership between Ospreys Rugby and Gullivers Sports Travel is excellent news, not only for the team but also for any of our supporters planning on travelling to support the cause in the coming season.

“Travel cost is a major expense for us as organisation given the nature of the cross border competitions we compete in, so to enjoy a partnership with such an experienced and renowned travel organisation will allow us to reduce costs considerably, helping to make the business more sustainable.

“Gullivers Sports Travel will also be the engine behind Ospreys supporters travel. They have unrivalled expertise at organising sports tours and our supporters will now be able to benefit from that experience.”

Noel Magnay, Managing Director, Gullivers Sports Travel, commented:

“The prospect of working with the most successful team in the history of the Celtic League or Pro12 tournament is a very exciting opportunity for Gullivers Sports Travel

“The partnership will help the Ospreys deliver high quality affordable supporter touring options both across the UK and in Europe as well as build on the community/family experience that Ospreys have successfully built their club around.

“Gullivers understand that the true supporters of the game are core to the success of our business and we are incredibly proud of our heritage and what we put back into the game through mini festivals, schools and clubs touring packages and providing supporter packages to all major rugby events.”

Mike Phippen, OSC Chairman, said:

“On behalf of the OSC, I look forward to working closely with Gullivers, a highly experienced and respected rugby tour operator, to be able to provide quality, competitively priced experiences for Ospreys fans who wish to support the region on their travels this season.”

With RaboDirect PRO12 weekends confirmed earlier today, and the Heineken Cup schedule to be announced early next week, details of the supporters travel packages for next season will be confirmed shortly. Yarnie Guthrie added:

“We will shortly be jointly announcing details of trips to some of our key away fixtures in 2013/14, with standard and premium packages available to ensure affordability for everyone regardless of budget.

“These official tours will make travelling to support the Ospreys easier and more affordable than ever, with the security of travelling with an ABTA bonded, world leading organisation. As with all Gullivers tours, transfers, flights and accommodation are all included, along with some exclusive Ospreys add-ons at the away location and the presence of a dedicated tour guide, to ensure a relaxed and memorable experience.

“With the Heineken Cup fixtures due to be revealed early next week, I would urge fans looking to travel to one of these games to hold fire on booking for just a few days before Gullivers are able to confirm packages for this season.”