EPCR automotive partner JAECOO announces England rugby legend Chris Robshaw as its first brand ambassador ‘Mr J’ for the UK market

Former Harlequins and England rugby union great Chris Robshaw has been unveiled as the first UK ambassador for JAECOO, the first automotive partner of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

The appointment of Robshaw is a first for OMODA&JAECOO, which recently announced the partnership with EPCR. In his new and exclusive role, Robshaw will help grow OMODA and JAECOO in its first full year in the UK market, which promises to be a busy one with five product launches across the two brands.

Before retiring in October 2022 at the age of 36, Robshaw enjoyed an illustrious club rugby career, captaining his club team Harlequins to their third EPCR Challenge Cup win against Stade Français in 2011 and first Premiership title the following year. He made 300 appearances for Harlequins in his 16 years at the club, while making 66 appearances for England – 43 of them as captain.

As part of his role as the UK’s Mr J, Robshaw had an early opportunity to enjoy the new JAECOO 7, launched at the end of January.

The groundbreaking partnership between EPCR and OMODA&JAECOO is the first time EPCR has teamed up with an automotive brand, as the tournament organiser of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup unlocks new commercial opportunities, introduces new revenue sources and drives expansion within the sport.

The partnership also marks the first-ever global, multi-market sports sponsorship for Chery International, the parent group of OMODA&JAECOO with the key objective of cementing the brand’s presence in key markets including the UK.

“I’m delighted to team up with JAECOO as the UK’s Mr J for 2025 – a year that promises to be very exciting and instrumental in the company’s growth in the UK,” said Robshaw.

“OMODA&JAECOO’s association with the EPCR is a clear indication of how the automotive and sporting industries can thrive together, and I am delighted to play a part in amplifying that partnership throughout 2025.”

Victor Zhang, UK Director, OMODA&JAECOO added: “Having someone with the sporting calibre and credentials as Chris is a real win for us (OMODA&JAECOO) in the UK. Following the announcement of our ground-breaking partnership with the EPCR, it was imperative that the brand had a figurehead to reinforce our commitment to rugby in the UK. We couldn’t think of a better individual, role-model and leader than Chris to fill this important and influential position.”