Bradfords Building Supplies is to become a Key Club Partner of the Exeter Chiefs rugby team for the 2020/2021 season as it extends its support to the women's team.

At a time when many businesses are withdrawing their commercial agreements with sporting organisations around the UK, Bradfords remains committed to its relationship with the Chiefs, which it has developped for the past five years.

David Young, CEO of Bradfords Building Supplies, commented, “The Chiefs’ emphasis on supporting their community resonates with the Bradfords culture. The core value synergies between our two organisations create a powerful partnership that we’re delighted to be extending for the coming season.

“The popularity of women’s rugby continues to grow at an astounding rate. As the Chiefs look to publicise and draw more women into the sport, we see this new sponsorship as a platform in which to encourage more women to explore the opportunities available to them within the construction industry, especially in the South West.”   

As part of the new agreement, Bradfords will provide player sponsorship from Chiefs Fly Half and England international Henry Slade, and Women’s Captain and Dutch international Linde Van Der Veldon. The Chiefs will also be naming a ‘Bradfords Player of the Day’ for women’s and men’s matches.

Lisa Duncan, Sales & Marketing Director of the Exeter Chiefs, added: “In what has been a difficult year for everyone, it’s fantastic that we continue to have the support of Bradfords. Since coming on board with the club, they have helped share in our success, both on and off the field.

“As double-winning champions in 2020, it’s great that the Chiefs have been able to align ourselves alongside such a strong Westcountry-based brand and we look forward to our successful relationship continuing into the future.” ?

Bradfords will also again be teaming up with the Community Chiefs to run regional U8 Tag Rugby Festivals, which will be held across the South West to encourage and inspire young players to become the best they can be, both on and off the field.

Each team that gets a spot in a regional festival will be given the chance to enter a competition to attend the showpiece final, which will be played on an Exeter Chiefs match-day at the home ground of Sandy Park.