Ireland secure women’s sponsor

Aon, advisors on risk management and human resource consulting, will sponsor the team in a deal that is the first of its kind for the Irish women's senior team since it came under the managment of the IRFU.

The Aon logo will be displayed on the jersey for the first time as Ireland take on Scotland in the first game of their  6 Nations defence tomorrow at 19:30hrs in Ashbourne RFC.

Speaking at the launch of the sponsorship, IRFU President Pat Fitzgerald said: "We are delighted to welcome Aon to the Irish rugby family and especially pleased that it is our Women's team that they have decided to put their support behind.

Women's rugby has grown strongly and the success of our women in the RBS 6 Nations has been fantastic for the sport. Now, with a strong partner like Aon we are confident the growth of our women's game will go from strength to strength."

Richard Endersen, Chief Executive Officer , Aon Ireland, said: "Aon has enjoyed a strong working relationship with the Irish Rugby Football Union for many years. That is why we are delighted and honoured to have been selected as the first-ever sponsors of the Ireland Women's Rugby Team.

Women's Captain Fiona Coghlan, said: "It is fantastic that Aon have given their backing to the women's game as it is a real recognition of the hard work that everyone involved in the game has put in over the year, which ultimately resulted in our 6 Nations win last year. As we head into the defence of our RBS 6 Nations championship we are very proud to have such a strong partner on our Irish jersey."