Final Season For RaboDirect

This season’s PRO12 (2013/14) will be RaboDirect’s last as title sponsors, after the straight-talking savings bank decided they won’t be renewing their three-year partnership beyond May 2014.

"The partnership with the PRO12 has helped us achieve key business objectives and has been extremely beneficial, especially in terms of developing and communicating our brand values, connecting with rugby fans and giving us a platform to reward our customers," said Tim Bicknell, General Manager at RaboDirect.

Bicknell added: "Our commitment to the PRO12 will be the same this season, and we will continue to push the boundaries, innovate and bring our energy and expertise to the competition through a strong programme of activity."

"We are developing our business strategy for the next five years and our focus will be on continuing the growth of our Irish customer base, which now stands at over 90,000 with deposits approaching €5bn. The excellent results of this partnership has helped inform and influence our strategy as we explore potential future partnerships.

Chief Executive of Celtic Rugby, John Feehan, said: "Celtic Rugby would like to thank RaboDirect for their investment and support of the competition from their introduction in 2011 until the end of the upcoming season. The competition has grown hugely over the last few years and this season is set to be even better. The launch will kick start what we all expect will be another fascinating campaign."