| HSBC, one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world, today announced that they are to become the Official Banking Partner of the Professional Rugby Players’ Association (PRA), the representative body and collective voice of professional rugby union players in England.
The deal will see HSBC form a close association with the PRA over the next two years, with a view to providing financial assistance, support and advice to its members and building on the PRA’s Player Development Programme which aims to better prepare members for life after rugby. HSBC will be heavily involved in offering the highest standard of skilled support to PRA members during their playing careers, which will better prepare members for their post-rugby careers.
HSBC Holdings plc Head of Sponsorship, Giles Morgan, said:
“HSBC is delighted to be partnering with the PRA and supporting the fantastic work that they do on behalf of the players. With the recent announcement that HSBC is the principal partner to the British and Irish Lions, the PRA partnership and the exciting grass roots and community programmes that we are developing, HSBC is delighted to be supporting Rugby Union at all levels.”
Damian Hopley, CEO of the PRA, commented:
“The PRA are delighted to have finalised this partnership with HSBC as we celebrate our 10th season since formation back in 1998. The Bank’s support will enable the PRA to further help our members and safeguard their future. It is tremendous that HSBC is looking to assist rugby at all levels from elite players to the grassroots of the game and we look forward to working with them for the good of our members over the coming years."
The partnership with the PRA follows closely behind HSBC’s recent announcement to be Principal Partner of the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2009 and shows a continuing commitment to make a difference in key areas of the game from grass roots to elite level performance.
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