EPCR, the tournament organiser of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, has announced OMODA | JAECOO as its Official Automotive Partner for the 2024/25 season, marking a new chapter for international club rugby’s premier competitions.
A ground-breaking partnership, it is the first time EPCR has teamed up with an automotive brand, as the organisation looks to unlock new commercial opportunities, introduce new revenue sources and drive expansion within the sport.
It also marks the first ever global, multi-market sports sponsorship for Chery International, the parent group of OMODA | JAECOO with the objective of cementing the brand’s presence in their key markets including the UK, Italy and South Africa. Established in 1997, Chery has been China’s largest vehicle exporter for more than two decades.
Dominic McKay, Chairman of EPCR, said: “It’s great to welcome this new partnership between EPCR and OMODA | JAECOO. It is particularly pleasing to welcome a new global partner into our family and into the sport.
“We share an aligned commitment to high performance and innovation. At EPCR our teams put together the greatest international club rugby competition in the world through the fantastic 42 clubs that take part, and they deliver unbelievable theatre and drama every time they take to the field.
“Through this partnership, OMODA | JAECOO and EPCR will want to showcase the high performance and innovation that we share in the years ahead both on the field and off road.”
EPCR and OMODA | JAECOO are also both focused on connectivity. In 2023/24, EPCR achieved record breaking attendance with 1.5 million fans filling stadiums, and millions more tuning in on TV and engaging on digital platforms, putting fans at the heart of the action. OMODA | JAECOO focuses on innovative user experiences, with vehicles that integrate cutting-edge connectivity.
Jacques Raynaud, EPCR CEO added: “We’re delighted to welcome OMODA | JAECOO as a partner. In our first automotive partner, we’re also excited to introduce a new brand to the world of rugby. It is an incredibly exciting time for club rugby full of opportunities and commercial growth is essential for ensuring a sustainable future. This season we have seen unprecedented sponsor interest and we are proud to welcome OMODA | JAECOO to our growing sponsorship family.”
Victor Zhang, UK Director, OMODA | JAECOO said: “We are looking forward to partnering with EPCR, and to bring our dual brand, new to the UK, to the wide and discerning audience of the rugby world.
“Both OMODA | JAECOO and EPCR share many similar values, from sustainability, to intelligent connectivity and overall accessibility. We are proud to showcase these via our vehicles and sponsorship across the upcoming season and beyond.
“Both the style-focussed OMODA range and the rugged JAECOO models share the use of groundbreaking powertrains and connected technology, and both make journeys of any length a pleasure to undertake. As OMODA | JAECOO looks forward to the 2024/2025 season together with the EPCR, we are proud to be making our journeys in style.”
The brand is also backing EPCR Challenge Cup club, Gloucester Rugby for the 2024/25 season, reinforcing its dedication to the sport.
EPCR’s 30th season kicks off on Friday 6 December, and will showcase the very best international clubs and world-class talent. Bath Rugby take on Stade Rochelais at The Rec in the first match of Investec Champions Cup (KO 8pm local time) and the EPCR Challenge Cup gets underway with Dragons RFC v Montpellier Hérault Rugby (Rodney Parade, KO 8pm local time) and Gloucester Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby (Kingsholm, KO 8pm local time).
Comments