First Utility powers title sponsorship of Super League

Super League Europe (SLE) has announced that independent energy supplier First Utility will become the title sponsor of Rugby League's elite club competition, the First Utility Super League, for the next three years.

The Warwick-based company which helps to minimise consumers' energy bills through low-price tariffs and energy efficiency will have naming rights to the First Utility Super League, which is watched by almost two million people each year and attracts substantial TV audiences on Sky Sports and the BBC.

As it seeks to build its brand and challenge the Big Six energy companies, First Utility will receive significant TV exposure which will help spread the message about lower energy prices. The sponsorship will also support the growth aspirations of the First Utility Super League and its member clubs.

Super League Chief Executive Nigel Wood said: "It gives me great pleasure to welcome First Utility to the sport as the new title sponsors of the First Utility Super League. First Utility is a real challenger brand that is shaking up the UK energy market and we look forward to working with them over the next three years. 2014 will be a particularly exciting period in the commercial development of the sport: this announcement is the first in a series of agreements that will put in place a family of partners around the First Utility Super League as we build on the legacy of the very successful Rugby League World Cup 2013".

Ed Kamm, Chief Customer Officer, First Utility said: "The Super League is passionately supported by millions of families in the UK who are the real stars of the game. In turn, we're passionate about helping millions of families save on their energy bills.

"We think it's a good fit. We are ambitious about challenging the status quo within the energy market and giving more consumers the low-price energy for which we're known. As a fast growing alternative to the Big Six energy companies it felt right to partner with a growing sport to help build more awareness for our brand.

"We're big fans of Rugby League and are proud to be part of the Super League community; together we hope we can be part of the growth of this exciting sport, as well as helping more people lower their energy bills".

Super League Commercial Director James Mercer was equally upbeat: "We are very excited about First Utility's commitment to the sport. We have been working with the company over the last few months to create a unique partnership which will support both of our significant growth aspirations. Super League partnerships deliver tremendous benefits across all 14 clubs and our commitment to delivering success for all our partners is very important".

The 2014 First Utility Super League season kicks off on Friday, February 7th, when champions Wigan Warriors begin their defence of the title with a home match against 2013 League Leaders Huddersfield Giants.

The opening round continues over the weekend of February 16th, with six other fixtures and the season climaxes with the 2014 First Utility Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday, October 11th.