Aer Lingus will continue in its role as Official Airline of Irish Rugby for a further three years having renewed its sponsorship arrangement with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). 

Ireland’s only 4 Star airline will continue to bring Home Advantage wherever we play in its support of Joe Schmidt’s team. The unwavering passion of Irish rugby fans is world-renowned and Aer Lingus is central to helping fans bring that sense of home advantage to a game whether it is played in Aviva Stadium or away.

The original sponsorship deal penned in 2015 has proved to be hugely successful for both iconic Irish brands.  Aer Lingus flew the team to Chicago for Ireland’s first ever win against the All Blacks in Soldier Field; it took the team to Paris when Johnny Sexton’s drop goal broke French hearts; and Aer Lingus was there with the team in London as an historic Grand Slam was completed earlier this year.

The renewal of the sponsorship will see Aer Lingus and the IRFU teaming up for a further three years, until 2021.

Speaking to mark the announcement, Aer Lingus Marketing Director, Dara McMahon said; “It’s been incredible to see both Aer Lingus and the Irish team go from strength to strength since the original sponsorship agreement was penned three years ago, so renewing the partnership was something we were very keen to do. The team’s success on the pitch has been reflected by the success of the sponsorship off it, having been recognised independently on multiple occasions, culminating in being awarded the Sponsorship of the Year at the Irish Sponsorship Awards in 2017.

“Irish Rugby has become an integral part of our overall marketing campaign, Smart Flies Aer Lingus, while our rugby specific Home Advantage campaign has proved to be very successful. We look forward to continuing to work with players such as Robbie Henshaw, Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton in the coming years and on behalf of everybody at Aer Lingus I would like to wish the Ireland team every success.”

Padraig Power, IRFU Commercial & Marketing Director, said; “We were delighted to welcome Aer Lingus to the Irish rugby family three years ago. As a world-renowned airline, they have been pivotal in the preparation for key games by ensuring the most seamless travel for our teams, in turn, enabling them to perform at their very best. We are very proud of our association & look forward to another great three years of bringing Home Advantage to every corner of the world."

ENDS