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RFU land sponsorship windfall
England's sponsors: Oddly statistically reminiscent of their recent tour
The Rugby Football Union have agreed a new four-year deal with official sponsors O2 that will see English rugby benefit to the tune of £16m ($31m).
The new £4m-a-year deal, that will run to September 2012, will see O2 continue as shirt sponsors of all the England men's teams and for the first time also, the England Women's side.
The deal was welcomed by England Team Manager, Martin Johnson, who commented, "On behalf of the England squad, coaches and management I'm delighted that O2 have decided to continue their long term support for another four years.
"I'm looking forward to working with them not only from their work with the senior squad but because, like everyone at the RFU, O2 want to spread the positive messages about rugby union to a wider audience and their support of the Go Play Rugby and Play On campaigns ensure that we have regular contact with our supporters and expose the sport to potential new players and fans.
"They have backed the squad during my time as an England player and now as England Team Manager and it's good to work with people who you know well and have a positive business relationship with.
Through the new contract O2 will continue to support the RFU's community rugby initiatives such as the current O2 'Scrum on the Beach' series in support of the RFU's Play On campaign.
O2 are committed to making rugby accessible to players at every level of the game and the continued partnership with the RFU will see the establishment of further joint properties and partnerships.
