On the field the ‘Brains years’ have brought two Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008, double wins over Australia in those same years as well as a draw in 2006, four wins in six clashes with England and the first ever IRB World Player of the year award to a Welshman – Shane Williams for his world beating form in the 2007/08 season.
Off the field the latest industry statistics* show that ‘Brains’ has risen to be the no. 1 ale in Wales, along with numerous national marketing awards, the most recent being the Hollis Sponsorship awards gained for ‘sponsorship continuity’.
In the 59 internationals since Brains first began their commitment to Welsh rugby in October 2004 Wales have won 30, lost 27 and drawn two, scoring 1,610 points and 181 tries.
The new deal means head coach Warren Gatland’s men will bring the total of matches played with the famous logo emblazoned across their chests – in a variety of guises from ‘Brawn’ to ‘Try Essai’ to ‘SA Gold’ and simply ‘Brains’ – to a grand total of at least 70, before any potential new sponsor is to be revealed.
“The WRU’s relationship with Brains has been a long and fruitful one and this new deal, which takes us into year six of name shirt sponsorship, is particularly welcome in the present financial climate,” said WRU Group head of marketing Gwyn Dolphin.
“Re-signing with Brains was the perfect answer on this occasion, the relationship continues to be mutually beneficial and it is with great enthusiasm that we welcome them back to the WRU sponsorship family for the good of all parties.
The WRU is proud to announce a continued relationship with Brains for the coming season which carries an unusual bonus for fans.
Replica shirts bought last year will now carry the added value of remaining current for the entire 2009/2010 season, as the Brains deal means the expected re-design of the national jersey is now unnecessary – a fact which has also prompted the WRU to restock its shops.
“Sales outlets throughout Wales and beyond are being restocked as we announce this deal with a new wave of merchandise including a full range of the replica Brains jerseys,” said Dolphin.
“The Wales replica jersey has always been one of the most popular in world rugby, a recent poll saw us hold second place on shirt sales figures only behind New Zealand and Wales scores particularly highly when fans are asked to choose a second shirt in addition to the main country they support.”
With the newly signed participation agreement in place between the WRU and each of its four rugby Regions there is now also scope to add two more fixtures in the season – with the intention to play at least one of these next June already made public – which could take the Brains tally up to a potential 72 games.
Richard Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Brains added: “We’ve already enjoyed five successful years as sponsor, during which time we have witnessed two Grand Slams and many memorable victories home and away, and we’re delighted that the Brains name will be seen on Welsh shirts for another year.
“The branding on the shirts will remain the same as last season – ‘Brains SA’ on the home shirt and ‘SA Gold’ on the change shirt – meaning we have another opportunity to promote two of our key cask ale brands.”
WALES with Brains sponsorship:
| P | W | D | L |
| 59 | 30 | 2 | 27 |
Tries scored: Wales = 181, opponents = 141 = 322 tries
Points scored: Wales = 1,610,opponents = 1,360 = 2,970 points
COACHES:
Mike Ruddock – 6 Nov, 2004 to 12 Feb, 2006 incl.
Scott Johnson – 26 Feb, 2006 to 18 Mar 2006 incl.
Gareth Jenkins – 11 June, 2006 to 29 Sept, 2007 incl.
Nigel Davies – 24 Nov, 2007.
Warren Gatland – 2 Feb, 2008 … current
1. 6 Nov, 2004 WALES 36 South Africa 38 L
2. 12 Nov, 2004 WALES 66 Romania 7 W
3. 20 Nov, 2004 WALES 25 New Zealand 26 L
4. 26 Nov, 2004 WALES 98 Japan 0 W
5. 5 Feb, 2005 WALES 11 England 9 W
6. 12 Feb, 2005 Italy 8 WALES 38 W
7. 26 Feb, 2005 France 18 WALES 24 W
8. 13 Mar,2005 Scotland 22 WALES 46 W
9. 19 Mar,2005 WALES 32 Ireland 20 W
10. 4 Jun, 2005 USA 3 WALES 77 W
11. 11 Jun, 2005 Canada 3 WALES 60 W
12. 5 Nov,2005 WALES 3 New Zealand 41 L
13. 11 Nov, 2005 WALES 11 Fiji 10 W
14. 19 Nov,2005 WALES 16 South Africa 33 L
15. 26 Nov,2005 WALES 24 Australia 22 W
16. 4 Feb, 2006 England 47 WALES 13 L
17. 12 Feb, 2006 WALES 28 Scotland 18 W
18. 26 Feb,2006 Ireland 31 WALES 5 L
19. 11 Mar, 2006 WALES 18 Italy 18 D
20. 18 Mar, 2006 WALES 16 France 21 L
21. 11 Jun, 2006 Argentina 27 WALES 25 L
22. 18 Jun, 2006 Argentina 45 WALES 27 L
23. 4 Nov, 2006 WALES 29 Australia 29 D
24.11 Nov, 2006 WALES 38 Pacific Islanders 20 W
25.17 Nov, 2006 WALES 61 Canada 26 W
26.25 Nov, 2006 WALES 10 New Zealand 45 L
27. 4 Feb, 2007 WALES 9 Ireland 19 L
28. 10 Feb,2007 Scotland 21 WALES 9 L
29. 24 Feb, 2007 France 32 WALES 21 L
30. 10 Mar,2007 Italy 23 WALES 20 L
31. 17 Mar,2007 WALES 27 England 18 W
32. 26 May,2007 Australia 29 WALES 23 L
33. 2 Jun, 2007 Australia 31 WALES 0 L
34. 4 Aug, 2007 England 62 WALES 5 L
35.18 Aug, 2007 WALES 27 Argentina 20 W
36.26 Aug, 2007 WALES 7 France 34 L
37. 9 Sep, 2007 WALES 42 Canada 17 W
38. 15 Sep, 2007 WALES 20 Australia 32 L
39. 20 Sep, 2007 WALES 72 Japan 18 W
40. 29 Sep, 2007 WALES 34 Fiji 38 L
41. 24 Nov, 2007 WALES 12 South Africa 34 L
42. 2 Feb, 2008 England 19 WALES 26 W
43. 9 Feb, 2008 WALES 30 Scotland 15 W
44. 23 Feb, 2008 WALES 47 Italy 8 W
45. 8 Mar, 2008 Ireland 12 WALES 16 W
46. 15 Mar, 2008 WALES 29 France 12 W
47. 7 Jun, 2008 South Africa 43 WALES 17 L
48. 14 Jun, 2008 South Africa 37 WALES 21 L
49. 8 Nov,2008 WALES 15 South Africa 20 L
50. 14 Nov,2008 WALES 34 Canada 13 W
51. 22 Nov,2008 WALES 9 New Zealand 29 L
52. 29 Nov,2008 WALES 21 Australia 18 W
53. 8 Feb, 2009 Scotland 13 WALES 26 W
54. 14 Feb,2009 WALES 23 England 15 W
55. 27 Feb,2009 France 21 WALES 16 L
56.14 Mar, 2009 Italy 15 WALES 20 W
57. 21 Mar,2009 WALES 15 Ireland 17 L
58. 30 May,2009 Canada 23 WALES 32 W
59. 6 Jun, 2009 USA 15 WALES 48 W
* CGA Market Data May 2009
