SsangYong Motors has announced a newly formed partnership with Gloucester Rugby and its Academy. SsangYong Motors will supply five Musso Pick-up trucks to mobilise its community development coaches when visiting schools, clubs and other local organisations in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
Heretofore, Mitsubishi Motors were the main team sponsors but this long term contract came to an end following the Japanese brand’s withdrawal from the European market.
The ‘Cherry & Whites’ have recruited five ambitious coaches who are responsible for developing relationships in the community. They have a wealth of experience working with children and young people across a spectrum of age groups and have a passion for inspiring people to play rugby at a grassroots level. The new roles will aim to increase engagement levels and encourage children and young people to enjoy playing rugby in their local communities and inspire next generation rugby players.
Jim Tyrrell, Chairman at SsangYong Motors, commented on the new partnership: “As a lifelong supporter of Gloucester, I’m thrilled to partner with our local Premiership Rugby club and help engage with grassroots rugby in the community. The SsangYong Musso is a go-anywhere and versatile beast, perfect for the job in hand. Gloucester Rugby is a great fit for us, and we look forward to developing the relationship further.”
Lance Bradley, CEO at Gloucester Rugby, added: “At Gloucester Rugby, we want young players to enjoy playing rugby and embrace the values and ethos of our great game. We want to reach out to as many boys and girls as we can and help develop them as good players as well as good people. We understand that not all players will go on to elite level, but we want them to continue to enjoy the game and continue playing for their local schools and clubs, giving back to the local community. We believe we can help them on this journey.
Playing rugby as a youngster should be about enjoying the process of development and the new pathway is aiming to achieve this so that the young players who progress through the Academy want to continue with rugby after they graduate. The Musso Pick-up trucks will be invaluable to us when our coaches are travelling between organisations and carrying the equipment necessary for these activities.”
Pictured: Lance Bradley, CEO Gloucester Rugby and Kevin Griffin managing director – SsangYong Motors UK