Fujitsu, one of the two largest IT systems, services and product suppliers in the public sector, has signed a sponsorship deal with the Commons & Lords Rugby Union Football Club (RUFC) for the 2009/10 season.
The Commons and Lords RUFC exists “to foster international relations, development and friendship through parliamentary rugby”. Internationally, it is one of ten national teams playing parliamentary rugby under the control of the Council for Inter Parliamentary Rugby.
The Club – formed in 1983 – has played against all of the major rugby playing nations in the world. It raises significant amounts for charity and during the last 10 years the club has raised substantial sums for a number of charitable causes such as, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Wooden Spoon, Dyslexia Association and Child Victims of Crime – last season the club raised £10,000. Lord Addington is Club Captain & Hon Secretary, Andy Reed MP is Club Treasurer and one of the regular players is the new Minister at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Chris Bryant MP.
Fujitsu is among the largest IT companies in the world, and is responsible for systems that affect 99% of the population every day – from driving licences to lottery tickets, tax returns to point of sale tills in retail outlets. It is a supplier to HM Revenue and Customs, DVLA, Department of Work and Pensions, the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence. In the private sector it also supports customers as broad as the Post Office, Vodafone, Centrica and Lloyds Banking Group.
Simon Carter, marketing director, UK Government said “The sponsorship of the House of Commons & Lords team helps Fujitsu strengthen its 40 year relationship working with Government. We see it as an important opportunity to increase the visibility of the Fujitsu brand with members of both Houses.”
Fujitsu’s branding will include the company logo on team shirts, advertising at games and the presentation of the Fujitsu Trophy for home matches.
The sponsorship was announced before the first match of the season, played on Sunday 20th September against the Congreso XV – a Parliamentary Argentina touring team. Mike Hayle, director, Fujitsu UK & Ireland presented ‘The Fujitsu Trophy’ jointly to, Lord Addington, Captain Commons & Lords and Carlos Rossi Capitán de Congreso XV, the Fujitsu cup will be played for in Buenos Aires in 2011.
Andy Reed MP, captain of the Commons & Lords RUFC said “We are extremely pleased that Fujitsu have agreed to sponsor the team this season, cementing what is a long-standing relationship between Government and the company. We are looking forward to a long, but enjoyable season.”
