Investec has struck a five-year deal to replace Heineken as sponsor of rugby’s Champions Cup.
Europe and South Africa’s premier club competition has been without a sponsor since the Dutch beer brand, involved since 1995, stepped away from the title association in June.
Anglo-South African bank Investec joins Champions Cup Rugby at a time when South African franchises look to establish themselves in the competition, having joined the United Rugby Championship in recent seasons.
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The deal was announced at Investec’s Gresham Street headquarters in the City of London as well as the firm’s Johannesburg base in front of Champions Cup bigwigs, just a week out from the Rugby World Cup, which takes place in France.
No details about the value of the deal were announced, but it is understood to be the biggest sponsorship deal in the history of European Professional Club Rugby, which runs the competition.
The Champions Cup sees teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Italy and South Africa compete for the most prestigious trophy in European club rugby.
Last year’s final saw La Rochelle topple Leinster for the second time in two years.
