Specsavers has extended its partnership with Scottish Rugby for the 2019/2020 season, to include sponsorship of the match officials for all domestic club games.
Currently the Official Optician and Audiologist partners of Scottish Rugby Specsavers signed a three-year deal in 2018 and in the past year has seen a branding presence in the stadium bowl at BT Murrayfield at Scotland games, including sponsorship of Third Match Official decisions on the big screens.
The partnership will now expand for the new domestic season in Scotland – which begins on 18 August – and sees Specsavers branding front of shirt on all match officials kit.
Toni Blackhurst, Head of Group Marketing and Commercial at Scottish Rugby said: “We’re delighted to have extended our partnership with such a well-established brand in sports sponsorship. We look forward to deepening our relationship with Specsavers through their support of our match officials.”
To mark the announcement, Scotland players Pete and George Horne had their eyes and ears tested by Specsavers and are encouraging rugby fans across Scotland to do the same.
For Pete, having his eyes tested changed his rugby game for the better, and he is encouraging others to book a free eye test with Specsavers. He said: “I was meant to start wearing glasses last year, but I never really did. I came back in February and got my eyes tested, just before the Guinness Six Nations, and found that my eyes had started to struggle.
“I got a great test and went through the process with the team at Specsavers and ended up with a pair of glasses that I was happy with. I think people sometimes underestimate eye and ear health, I hope that my test encourages other people to go and do the same.”
Recognising the importance of good eyesight for optimal on-field performance, George said. “It is really important for a rugby player, especially a scrum half, to make sure your eyes are in good working condition.
“Obviously, there is a lot going on around the breakdown and it’s important to be able to see, spot gaps and defend and to see when it’s on to pass, kick or run. It is great to have the partnership with Specsavers; to have the opportunity to come down and get your eyes and ears tested.”
The players were tested at the Specsavers Byres Road store in Glasgow. Store director Claire McFadyen said: “We were delighted to have Pete and George along for eye and hearing tests. It is vital that everyone looks after their eye and hearing health, and that’s particularly the case for sports men and women when striving for optimum performance.
“Specsavers is pleased to support Scottish Rugby – our collaboration goes far beyond just sponsorship. We are committed to making sure players’ and match officials’ eyes and ears are in top condition through regular sight and hearing tests carried out in stores across Scotland.”
The domestic season begins today with the Tennent’s National League Division 1 (Women’s) but last night Scotland’s international team were humbled 32 – 3 by France in a World Cup warm up match in Nice. Got to ask: Should have gone to Specsavers?
Specsavers are the Official Optician and Audiologist of Scottish Rugby.
For more information on your nearest store or to book your free eye test visit www.specsavers.co.uk
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