Invesco Perpetual Appointed IRB Junior World Championship 2008 Principal Partner

The International Rugby Board and Welsh Rugby Union have announced the appointment of leading fund management firm Invesco Perpetual as principal partner of the inaugural IRB Junior World Championship in Wales from June 6-22.

The deal was negotiated by the international sponsorship agency Essentially Group.

"The International Rugby Board is delighted to welcome a quality brand such as Invesco Perpetual as principal partner of the IRB Junior World Championship 2008. The appointment of one of the UK’s most successful investment companies highlights the global commercial appeal and prestige of what is a major Tournament on the global Rugby calendar," said IRB Tournaments Manager Philippe Bourdarias.

"The global Rugby community eagerly awaits the start of the IRB Junior World Championship and an Age Grade Tournament that promises to be unprecedented in its success, both commercially and in terms of the exciting action on the field. The travelling supporters can look forward to a carnival atmosphere, high quality venues and world class Under 20 Rugby. With a strong broadcast schedule and tickets starting at just £2, the IRB Junior World Championship promises to reach more people than any previous IRB Age Grade tournament. It will be an event not to be missed and the IRB looks forward to welcoming supporters from Ireland and all over the world to the Tournament," added Bourdarias.

The three-week IRB Junior World Championship will bring together nearly 500 players from 16 nations in a Tournament that will give Rugby’s rising talent exposure to a high intensity event that provides a unique testing ground for the future stars of the international Game. The Tournament dovetails with the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy, run in Chile in April, with the bottom team in the Championship playing off against the top team in the Trophy for a place at next year’s Championship.

Invesco Perpetual, is one of the leading independent investment managers in the UK, managing assets on behalf of consumers, intermediaries and professional investors through a broad product range, which includes ICVCs, investment trusts, ISAs, pension products, offshore funds, institutional funds and other specialist mandates. Sponsorship of the Tournament continues Invesco Perpetual’s strong affiliation with top quality international sporting events including the Wales Rugby Union Autumn International Series and the Test Match Grounds cricket partnership.

Rick White, Marketing Director Invesco Perpetual said: "Invesco Perpetual is delighted to sponsor the inaugural IRB Junior World Championship. Through our sponsorship of the "Invesco Perpetual Series" each autumn we have developed a good relationship with the WRU and, by supporting the IRB Junior World Championship, we are pleased to be investing in the next generation of world rugby stars."

David Pickering, WRU chairman and IRB Executive Board member said, "Invesco Perpetual have been a fantastic partner of Welsh rugby since 2005 and we are thrilled they have decided to put their considerable weight behind the IRB Junior World Championship in Wales next month.

"Invesco Perpetual is a strong, dynamic brand, excited by talent and energy, attributes close to the core values of the WRU, the IRB, and I know to rugby supporters across the world. I am sure this tournament will excite supporters of the game, and be a source of inspiration to new generations of rugby players, coaches, referees and administrators."

Tickets for the inaugural IRB Junior World Championship can be purchased through ticket master www.ticketweb.co.uk. Packages include single venue and follow a team. Prices start at just £2 for Juniors and £8 for adults. For more information go to www.irb.com/jwc.

For further information please contact:
Matthew Vandrau
New Business Director
Essentially Group
T: 0207 820 7000