Rugby is more than just a game in Ireland: it is a passion that connects people on the island. And it is precisely these emotions, but also diversity, dedication and enthusiasm – all of this combines the partnership of Opel Ireland with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). The cooperation between the Irish Rugby Association and the brand with the lightning began in 2021 and has now been extended by another four years to 2028.
“We are very proud to continue our sponsorship of Irish Rugby,” says James Brooks, Managing Director of Opel Ireland. The partnership offers a unique platform and creates a strong connection of the brand to Irish rugby at all levels. Opel supports both the men’s and the women’s team. The President of the Irfu, Declan Madden, is also very happy about the extension of the partnership: “She contributes to driving the boom that the Rubgy Sport is currently experiencing in Ireland.”
“Cooperation offers our brand a unique platform to create a strong connection with Irish rugby at all levels.”
– James Brooks, Managing Director of Opel Ireland –
James Brooks, Managing Director of Opel Ireland, welcomes the two new brand ambassadors: Mack Hansen (left) and Calvin Nash. Both players have already received their new Opel Grandland.
#Driveon: Michael Collopy, Chairman of the Irfu marketing committee (from left), James Brooks, Managing Director of Opel Ireland and Declan Madden, President of the IRFU announces the extension of the partnership.
Irish rugby sport has indeed experienced an upswing in recent years. The men dominated the Six Nations in the past two years and won two titles in 2023 and 2024. And the title defense for 2025 has already started: The next home games will take place against Wales (February 22), France (March 8) and Italy (March 22). The women who represented Ireland at the 2024 Olympic Games are also used by the Six Nations. The rugby women start their season on March 22nd with a home game against France before starting Italy (March 30), England (April 12), Wales (April 20) and Scotland (April 26). However, the highlight of the season will take place in August and September when the team is represented by the Green Island at the 2025 World Cup.
So far, Opel has appointed six brand ambassadors as part of the partnership. The athletes that Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe, Stacey Flood, Linda Djougang, Aoife Dalton, Bebhinn Parsons and Aoife Wafer each received an Opel model. “It was magical to see how these phenomenal women wrote history and qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2025 Rugby World Cup,” said Brooks. Two new Opel ambassadors from the men’s team have now been announced: Mack Hansen and Calvin Nash. Both have already received their new Opel Grandland.
“We are very grateful for the long-term support of partners such as Opel, who help to further promote the boom of rugby sports in Ireland.”
– Declan Madden, Irfu President –
At all levels
The partnership between Opel Ireland and the Irfu is diverse. Thanks to the “Drive the Passion” program, hundreds of rugby balls were donated to dozens of clubs across the country, in collaboration with local Opel dealers. “As a passionate supporter of the IRFU, we look forward to being involved in all aspects of Irish rugby sport-and contributing to our small part to the continued success of this wonderful sport,” says Emma Toner, Marketing Director of Opel in Ireland. As part of the continued partnership, Opel will remain the proud sponsor of Irish rugby sport and exclusive vehicle partner of the IRFU by 2028. The automotive manufacturer also provides the IRFU employees with an extensive fleet of cars and light commercial vehicles. In addition, the agreement includes numerous ways to present the brand with lightning during the games, digital and appearances of players.
February 2025
Text: Mark Bennett; Photos: Siobhan Taylor