The ambitious club have already agreed a headline sponsorship deal with club sponsor and local craft brewer Brighton Bier, with the event being known as the Brighton Bier nines. The company’s branding will appear across the event, on match balls and with their range of craft beers available to try and buy both on the day and at the after party.

Nick Weston, Chairman Sussex Merlins. “We’ve worked hard with the league to bring this event to life. We’ve seen the recent success of the 9’s format over in the NRL. That validates our thinking that with the right conditions this could be a huge success. We’re going to create a party atmosphere and really celebrate the game. I hope this is the first of an annual fixture that grows and grows; we’re already expecting 16 teams. We’re also encouraging teams to come in fancy dress”.

Stephen Whitehurst, Director Brighton Bier – we’re delighted to be part of the Brighton Bier nines. The concept is great and enables people to get really involved. We’re looking forward to welcoming the rugby league fraternity to Brighton to show them what a great combination our beer and rugby league is. It’s going to be a fun filled day that will go from strength to strength.

Darren Pugsley of the RFL – we’ve had the 9’s as a preseason event for a number of years now. We listened to the clubs and created space in the fixture list for an event. Our hope is that clubs from outside our competition get involved and come to see what Rugby League in the south east is all about. And at the same time getting to enjoy the great setting that is Brighton!

contact the merlins via info@sussexmerlins.co.uk for full details.

Notes to editors
For more information on
Brighton Bier please visit http://www.brightonbier.com/about-brighton-bier.html
Sussex Merlins – www.Sussexmerlins.co.uk
London Rugby League – www.londonrl.com