Richard met the playing squad ahead of the preseason game against National League 2 side the Cornish All Blacks – a fitting occasion to launch the new relationship.

Club Chairman Paul Hayes said “This is a fantastic day for St Austell RFC, as a Club it is our ambition to build a squad that can compete in the National Leagues. However this must be done in a sustainable way that maintains our ethos of an inclusive family based community Club. Sharp’s Brewery are the perfect example for us - a marvellous local business that has achieved national success with their iconic Cornish beer Doom Bar without losing their roots. Not only will they be investing sponsorship into the Club but also ideas and energy to help drive the business side of St Austell RFC forward. This will not only support the playing of senior and youth rugby but help us promote the take-up of grassroots sports across the Clays and Bay through Saints Gym and Leisure Centre and our charity arm Saints in the Community”.

Sharp’s Brewery join an impressive network of Senior and Colt kit sponsors, all local businesses who invest in the playing of rugby at St Austell including:

M&M Scaffolding;
Frost Builders
Arla Foods – Trevarrian Creamery
Cornwall Mortgages
Nick Raikes Plastering.

The on-field success of St Austell RFC in recent seasons has not only been down to the hard work and commitment of the players and coaches but also the backing of its loyal supporters and the financial commitment of its sponsors. “As a wholly amateur rugby club, the extensive travelling to Bristol and Gloucester on our away trips in the South West leagues presents a major challenge” says Hayes. “And it is a challenge we could not overcome without the unstinting support from the ‘Saints Massive’ and the generosity of our sponsors. To reach the highest league position ever achieved by a St Austell RFC side last season and be knocking on the door of the National Leagues just underlines the superb and special relationship we have with our supporters and sponsors. On behalf of the Club I would like to thank them for their fantastic support”.

Of course it is not all about the Saints First Team and with over 270 youngsters playing Youth rugby, a vibrant Colts section and a strong Sinners second team St Austell RFC is justly proud of its role as a Community based Club. “We pride ourselves on being an inclusive Club and sponsorship helps us to keep membership fees as low as possible so that we can encourage children and adults to participate in the wonderful sport of rugby. The sponsorship income helps us to fund all the things associated with running a large rugby club including coaching, training equipment, travelling costs, grounds and pitch maintenance, first aid and physio costs”.

Local businesses and supporters have provided sponsorship in a variety ways from kit sponsors with their logos on the shirt, pitch side boards and individual player sponsorship. Sponsors gain access to a range of benefits aligned with the level of their investment including match day buffets and preferential access to what many agree are the best amenities associated with a rugby club in the South West. This includes meeting and function room facilities that make Tregorrick Park, with its panoramic views of the town, an ideal venue for business meetings, corporate events or private functions. But as Hayes points out it is the increased profile of the Saints that is attracting many new sponsors “With average home crowds now in excess of 500 and regularly topping 1000 for the bigger games the potential for businesses to promote their products and services to the people of St Austell is substantial . Coupled with the fantastic coverage the Saints get in the local press the advertising opportunities are significant”.

St Austell RFC are keen to speak to any businesses interested in joining a winning team. The 2014-15 Sponsorship Prospectus outlines a broad spectrum of sponsorship packages available including match day, corporate hospitality, pitch side advertising boards and individual players as well as tailored offerings to meet a particular requirement. Anyone interested in finding out more should contact the St Austell RFC Sponsorship Manager Jan Hayes (jan@hayes-cornwall.co.uk 07734 110134).