R.M.Williams has announced a multi-year partnership today with Rugby Australia.
As an Official Partner of the Wallabies, Wallaroos and Australian Sevens teams, R.M.Williams will undertake a number of collaborations and dressing opportunities with the players.
This includes outfitting them with its leather boots as well as the introduction of a licensed product offering in 2023.
R.M.Williams co-owner and director Nicola Forrest AO said this is a strategic move forward following the company’s acquisition by Tattarang in 2020, re-securing the brand’s Australian heritage.
“Born in the Outback 90 years ago, our boots have been inspired by the resilience and endurance of the Australian people,” Forrest said. “And that unique national quality is no better represented in sport than by the Wallabies and Wallaroos.”
In addition to supplying boots, the Australian apparel brand will also launch a licensed product offering in collaboration with Rugby Australia around key moments in the Rugby calendar. The range will offer sporting fans an opportunity to support their favourite teams.
R.M.Williams will also have a roaming store popping up at official Rugby Australia matches and events across the country. This will be accompanied by players and representatives of the Wallabies and Wallaroos.
“We’re delighted to partner with Rugby Australia as it embarks on an exciting new chapter,” R.M.Williams CEO Paul Grosmann said. “Both ourselves and Rugby Australia are very keen that this partnership extends beyond a traditional sponsorship agreement.
“We’re particularly excited by the opportunity to create a licensed product offering and to bring the game to our customers in the heartland of Australia, as well as those in the key cities.”
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said he is “proud” to welcome R.M.Williams back to the sporting body.
“The Wallabies and R.M.Williams have always been an ideal match as iconic Australian brands,” Marinos said. “To be able to extend this partnership across all our national teams is especially satisfying.
“We look forward to a successful partnership with R.M.Williams as we continue to grow Rugby all around Australia.”
The partnership comes as Australian Rugby marks the calendar ahead, with a Women’s World Cup next month, plus a World Cup for the Wallabies in 2023, and a Lions Tour in 2025.