ASB announces sponsorship of the Lions series

ASB is proud to be an official sponsor of the 2017 DHL New Zealand Lions Series which will be played across New Zealand.

The series will see the British & Irish Lions play 10 matches in seven New Zealand regions, including against all five New Zealand Super Rugby teams, the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, the Māori All Blacks and three test matches against the All Blacks.

ASB executive general manager marketing and communications Roger Beaumont says ASB is delighted to be involved in bringing the series to New Zealand, and welcoming the British & Irish Lions, and their loyal fans.

“ASB looks forward to backing our local and national teams as they take on the British & Irish Lions, during what will be an exciting time, not only for rugby but for New Zealand,” Mr Beaumont says.

“We are proud rugby fans and look forward to building on ASB’s existing sponsorships of the All Blacks by being part of this series,” Mr Beaumont says.

ASB has also been named as the official sponsor of the 500-strong group of volunteers that will ensure the 10-match series runs smoothly and fans receive a great Kiwi welcome. Volunteers will work in a variety of roles in the seven host cities, within stadiums, fan zones and transport hubs, and will be provided with a limited-edition 2017 DHL New Zealand Lions Series volunteer’s uniform.

“Volunteers are crucial to ensuring sporting events of this calibre run smoothly. ASB is particularly pleased to stand behind the 2017 DHL New Zealand Lions Series volunteers and lend our support. We thank them in advance for their hard work and commitment to ensuring the series is a success,” Mr Beaumont says.

ASB’s support of the series sits alongside existing sponsorships of the All Blacks, the ASB New Zealand Rugby Awards, and the All Blacks Sevens and Black Ferns Sevens teams.

New Zealand Rugby general manager for the DHL Lions Series Nigel Cass says the support of hundreds of brightly coloured volunteers was a critical element of the partnership with ASB for the series.

“We know volunteers make a huge contribution to all areas of the game and ASB must be commended for supporting this very important aspect of the series.”

ASB Young Leaders Rugby Experience
To celebrate ASB’s sponsorship of the 2017 DHL New Zealand Lions Series, ASB will reward more than 25 ambitious male and female student rugby players (plus a friend, parent/guardian or coach) across New Zealand with an ASB Young Leaders Rugby Experience.

The once-in-a-lifetime Experience for the students includes attending a pre-match captain’s run and a leadership breakfast with former All Blacks, as well as an Adidas All Blacks gear pack.

Experiences are available for students in each region that hosts a 2017 DHL New Zealand Lions Series match (Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Whangarei, Dunedin and Rotorua) and will recognise students who display excellent leadership qualities in their schools and show promise on the sports field.

The successful student rugby players will be announced in late May following nominations by ASB-banked schools.