Ireland

Celtic League still searching for a sponsor

Less than a month before the 2003/04 Celtic League season kicks off, officials are still searching for a title sponsor to back…

Wed Aug 06 2003 - 01:00

Less than a month before the 2003/04 Celtic League season kicks off, officials are still searching for a title sponsor to back the competition.

Celtic League still searching for a sponsor

Less than a month before the 2003/04 Celtic League season kicks off, officials are still searching for a title sponsor to back the competition.

Despite the lack of a main sponsor, tournament director Keith Grainger remains optimistic that support can be found, both for the 12-team Celtic League and Celtic Cup events.

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"I am confident that when we knock on the right door, we will get a warm welcome," said Grainger. "This is an outstanding opportunity for a business to penetrate the rugby audience and the general public through huge levels of awareness.

"With only four weeks to go, it's a tall order, but if there is a company out there ready to share the ride, then we are prepared to include sponsorship and naming rights of the Celtic Cup in with the Celtic League package for the first two seasons.

"For the last three years we have employed a sports agency to present our case, but we recently parted company, and for the time being at least, I will be dealing directly with all matters of this nature.

"So, with barely a month to go, the chase still goes on."

The Celtic League will embark on its third season, while the Celtic Cup is a new introduction to the rugby calendars of the 12 professional sides from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

"There will be television cameras at every single game, and we now have a full-blown Celtic League of 11 home and 11 away matches that mirrors the ultra-successful Zurich Premiership in England," Grainger added.

"The Celtic Cup will add the spice of the sudden-death element, and there is an opportunity for a business partner to join us at the start of what will be a very exciting journey."

The main action on the opening weekend includes the highly-anticipated clash between Munster and Leinster, although with Ireland due to play Scotland in a World Cup warm-up the following afternoon, a number of big names will not be available.