Ospreys fly into Magners Final boosted by three year sponsorship deal

The new deal features several additions, including an annual minimum contribution of 25% of the sponsorship fee to the well established Ospreys Community Development Programme, which will help ensure the continued sustainable development of rugby throughout Wales.

Richard Sandford, Head of Offshore Business Management at RWE npower renewables said: "It gives me great pleasure to announce an extension of our agreement with Ospreys Rugby which is already the longest running partnership amongst the Welsh rugby regions.

"Our business has over 100 years proud association with Wales through the delivery of our renewable energy projects, which combined make a significant contribution towards looking after Wales' environment, generating long lasting, clean power.

"Through our sponsorship of Ospreys, one of the most community focused rugby clubs in the country, we are proud to be able to strengthen that association further by offering much needed support to help grassroots clubs, while continuing to power elite rugby on a European platform".

Ospreys Managing Director, Roger Blyth, said: "On behalf of Ospreys Rugby, I am delighted to be able to confirm that our successful partnership with RWE npower renewables is to be extended for an additional three years until 2013. Our relationship continues to go from strength to strength, with both organisations now synonymous with each other.

"We have come a long way since the partnership began in the summer of 2005, and we are delighted that RWE npower renewables will now continue to play a major part in the ongoing success of the Ospreys. Like us, they have a real passion for working at the grassroots level of the game, and their continued investment will allow us to make an even bigger difference right across the region over the next three years.

"The three-year extension is a clear sign of the strength of our partnership, and the faith that both parties have in each other. It is the longest sponsorship deal in our history, and the ongoing financial support that they provide will help us as a business as we look to secure sustainable success on and off the pitch."

Ryan Jones, Ospreys captain, added: "Today's announcement is fantastic news for the Ospreys. As players, we all have a real interest in what goes on at the region commercially. We realise that the support of RWE npower renewables plays an important role in what we are doing as an organisation, so we are all extremely grateful for their backing.

"The Ospreys shirt and the RWE power renewables logo are instantly recognisable, I think all rugby fans are aware of the partnership whoever they support, which shows how well we work together, and long may that be the case."

Earlier this year RWE npower renewables sister company, npower, also part of the RWE group, announced a three year sponsorship of the Football League, commencing in July 2010.

The sponsorship of the Football League, which builds on the strong sporting heritage npower has established over the last ten years through the support of domestic cricket, combined with RWE npower renewables continued commitment to Ospreys Rugby, means that almost every fixture played at the Liberty Stadium next season will feature the branding of an RWE Group company.