Mercedes-Benz South West

Association of Rugby Agents signs Mercedes-Benz as new commercial partner

The Association of Rugby Agents (ARA) has confirmed it has signed a new commercial agreement with luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz.

The partnership with Mercedes-Benz South West affiliates the ARA with one of the strongest and firmly established brands in Europe. As part of the agreement Mercedes will be providing players represented by agents of the ARA with membership to its exclusive VIP Scheme which offers exclusive benefits on its most prestigious vehicles to elite sportspeople. Benefits of the scheme include the matching of any genuine rival quote and a dedicated VIP specialist to provide round the clock assistance, amongst others. The VIP Scheme is open to rugby players and managers competing in the Aviva Premiership and Guinness Pro 12 leagues.

Mercedes will also be providing an extended scheme to rugby agents who can benefit from two years free servicing on their vehicle in addition to offering highly competitive rates.

Tony Copsey, Acting CEO of the ARA said “I’m delighted to confirm the ARA’s partnership with Mercedes-Benz South West. Establishing a relationship with such a strong and prestigious brand has demonstrated the ARA’s ability to attract commercial backing of the highest calibre. We are sure that the VIP Scheme and the extended offering for our agents will prove to be very popular.”

The Mercedes-Benz agreement adds to a growing number of ARA partnerships. Some of the existing relationships include business investment experts ESRG Sport & Leisure, top 20 UK accounting firm UHY Hacker Young and premier sports law practice Harbottle & Lewis.

To learn more about the partnership with Mercedes-Benz, visit our Mercedes-Benz partner page

Bespoke Professional Rugby Players Disability programme

Robertson Taylor W&P Longreach, ARA’s Insurance partner, are experts in the field of specialist Rugby insurance & James Martin & David Griffiths will be attending  Rugby Expo to promote their bespoke Professional Rugby Players Disability programme.

In addition to Career Ending Disability they have a wealth of experience dealing with Contractual Bonus to cover player endorsements & Agents Professional Liability insurance including Professional Indemnity and Directors & Officers.

They will be available throughout the Expo to discuss any of your insurance needs please introduce yourselves or if you would like to contact them to arrange a specific time to meet up please email James Martin on james.martin@rtib.co.uk or call 0207 510 1230 / 07850 708287.

Peter Kenyon – The Globalisation of Rugby

Once the English Premier League’s best-paid executive, former Manchester United and Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon is now looking to mine value from rugby union. He talks to Kevin Roberts about the opportunities in both footballing codes.

Read the full article click here

Esportif International announces expansion plans as Peter Kenyon joins International Rugby Agency

sportif International a leading rugby management agency with offices in Europe and New Zealand merges with Irish rugby agency Cornerflag Management creating Esportif Ireland –

Peter Kenyon, former Chief Executive of Manchester United and Chelsea FC, joins Esportif International as Non-Executive Chairman –

LONDON 22nd JANUARY 2014 – Leading international rugby agency Esportif International today announced the appointment of Peter Kenyon as Non-Executive Chairman. Kenyon, who was previously Chief Executive of Manchester United and Chelsea FC is currently active within the international business community and will assume his role with immediate effect.

Peter Kenyon will join a business that manages some of the biggest names in world rugby. Esportif International’s European clients include Welsh and British & Irish Lions Jon Davies and Mike Phillips, England international James Haskell along with leading European based overseas players Matt Giteau, John Afoa and Johann Muller. The New Zealand office of Esportif International is one of the largest rugby management agencies in New Zealand and represents leading All Blacks such as Jerome Kaino, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Steven Luatua and Charles Piutau as well as Kiwi Rugby League players such as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Peter Kenyon said, “I am delighted to join Esportif International. This is a business whose success is based upon their strong professional backgrounds and significant expertise and experience in the global rugby market. I am looking forward to assisting Esportif in becoming the globally recognised leader in the management of world class rugby players and coaches.”

Also announced today is the merger with market leading Irish rugby agency Cornerflag Management to create Esportif Ireland. Cornerflag’s client list includes British and Irish Lions Tommy Bowe, Rory Best, Stevie Ferris and Tom Court along with Irish internationals Donnacha Ryan, Devin Toner and John Muldoon from Leinster, Munster and Connacht respectively. In addition to these Irish based players Corner Flag represents European based Springboks Francois Louw and Zane Kirchner.

Duncan Sandlant, Managing Director of Esportif International in Europe said, “We are really excited about the appointment of Peter Kenyon to our business, which when combined with the creation of Esportif Ireland, marks a significant step towards Esportif’s development as the leading global rugby management agency.”

Ryan Constable, Founder and Managing Director of Cornerflag, said “This merger represents an exciting opportunity to extend our global reach. Our comprehensive network will provide invaluable market knowledge across key rugby territories and this will undoubtedly benefit both the individual players and coaches we represent and the clubs we work with on recruitment and retention objectives.”

Aaron Cruden’s Inspirational story

Aaron Cruden’s inspiring story….Everybody has a role, whether you’re a father, an engineer, an artist or an All Black we are all the same – Cancer can affect anyone.

To watch the video click here

Jared Payne signs new three year deal with Ulster

Ulster fullback, Jared Payne, has signed a new three-year deal with the club that will see him remain at Ravenhill until at least the summer of 2016.

Payne, who is 27, was today selected in the Barbarians squad to face England and the British and Irish Lions. He joined Ulster from the Auckland Blues two years ago.

 

Jonathan Davies & Nick Williams named in Rabodirect Pro12 2012/13 Dream Team

Congratulations to Jonathan Davies & Nick Williams for being voted in Rabo Direct dream team of the season.

Jonathan Davies and Nick Williams have been named in the RaboDirect PRO12 dream team for the 2012/13 season, with Nick also being awarded the prestigious “Players Player of the Year Award” by the other players in the league. A powerful number 8 who is in his first year with Ulster Nick has become an instant hit with the Ulster fans with his strong ball carrying and has been virtually unstoppable from close range scoring seven tries. Centre Jonathan Davies has had another outstanding season for both the Scarlets and Wales and has been instrumental in their gaining a spot in the Play-offs with his form also gaining him a place on the upcoming British Lions tour to Australia.

 

Scott Johnson appointed Director of Rugby for Scotland

Scott Johnson is to vacate his position as Scotland interim head coach to take up a new role as the Scottish Rugby Union’s Director of Rugby.

Scott Johnson said – “The director of rugby job excites me. It’s about making a really positive contribution that will stand Scottish Rugby in good stead for years to come and I am looking forward to the challenge of the new role as well as continuing with the Scotland team.

To read more click here

Andy Goode signs with London Wasps

Worcester Warriors and England fly half Andy Goode has announced he will be joining London Wasps next season.

One of the most prolific scorers in English club rugby history, Goode sits second in the all-time Aviva Premiership points chart.

The ex-England number 10, won 17 caps and scored 107 points for his country, and is widely recognised as one of the best game managers in English rugby.

Andy Goode said: “I am delighted to be joining London Wasps next season and it is clear they have made some big strides forward this year and are clearly heading in the right direction. I am looking forward to being coached by Dai Young who really impressed me with his vision for Wasps and where they are heading. I am also looking forward to working with Shane Howarth and Stephen Jones who have a wealth of international and coaching experience between them, and as young coaches who have not long retired, will have great empathy with the players and know exactly how to get the best out of them. With the quality players Wasps have and the exciting backs currently in the squad I am confident I will be able to contribute to the further success of London Wasps.

To read more click here

Spring Law Update – Summer 2014

Click here to read the latest news from ARA partners Spring Law.