Premiership
Guinness end London Irish sponsorship in wake of Paddy Jackson signing
“(Irish’s) recent decision is not consistent with our values and so we have ended our sponsorship”
Diageo, the parent company of Guinness have terminated their long-standing sponsorship deal with London Irish. The deal has been in place for 30 years but was officially terminated yesterday due to London Irish’s decision to sign former Irish International Paddy Jackson who was cleared of rape last year.
Guinness are the second sponsor to cut ties with the Exiles after Cash Converters ended their association last month.
London Irish have since come out to state that Cash Converters terminated their deal prior to the announcement of Jackson’s signing.
Diageo, who own Guinness, had recently extended the partnership with the club in 2016, calling it a ‘very special’ relationship.
Jackson’s signing has since prompted them to reassess the deal and a statement yesterday read;
‘(Irish’s) recent decision is not consistent with our values and so we have ended our sponsorship,’
London Irish released a statement in response to the news yesterday.
‘The club has always respected the right for everyone to have an opinion, and their right to express that opinion, It is regretful that this relationship has ended in the manner that it has.’
There has been a mixed reaction on social media to the news.
@Diageo_News your a disgrace for withdrawing your sponsorship of london irish due to paddy jackson— POTR (@POTR33807691) June 13, 2019
@BreakfastNT Diageo took the right decision re Paddy Jackson. Ulster rugby and IRFU were pressurized by their sponsors who didn’t want their brands being tarnished by association.— Eamon Donovan (@eamondonovan) June 14, 2019
It would have been a better decision by Diagio to stick with London Irish and have Paddy Jackson do a campaign on misogynistic behaviour/lad culture/drinking etc., to show others how doing these things can completely ruin your life.— Jeremy Kearney (@jeremykearney) June 14, 2019
It’s a disgraceful and undemocratic decision, very like brexit where remainers are refusing to accept a democratic people’s decision in a referendum, Paddy Jackson was AQUITTED in his rape trial, but some horrible people are refusing to accept an exhaustive court finding in that— Philip Murrell (@FelipeMurrelli) June 13, 2019
Argentina international Agustin Creevy has agreed to join London Irish with immediate effect.
The former international captain made 89 appearances for Los Pumas, including playing at two Rugby World Cups. His impressive number of international caps ensures that Creevy is currently the most capped Argentinian international player of all time.
Over half of Creevy’s international appearances saw him captain Argentina, proving his leadership qualities on the highest stage.
The hooker’s career has seen him develop his game in France with Biarritz, Clermont and Montpellier before joining Worcester Warriors. More recently, Creevy has been plying his trade with Super Rugby’s Jaguares, helping the Argentinean franchise to the 2019 Super Rugby final.
Creevy’s arrival at London Irish sees the Exiles’ amount of different nationalities grow to 10. The squad currently has players from England, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Fiji, Zimbabwe, Samoa, Tonga and now Argentina.
Commenting on the latest addition to the squad, Declan Kidney, Director of Rugby, said: “Agustin comes to London Irish with a fantastic amount of club and international experience.
“Hopefully he can help to continue the journey that the club is on.”
“I am looking forward to joining London Irish and playing in England once again,” explained Creevy.
“Declan spoke very highly of the club, the people and the direction they want to go. I can’t wait to join up with my teammates and to get stuck in.”
Saracens is delighted to announce Scotland international Sean Maitland has committed his future to the club.
The 31-year-old has penned a two-year contract and will remain in north London until at least 2022.
Maitland has played his part in some of Saracens’ biggest moments over the past four years, scoring crucial tries in last season’s Heineken Champions Cup and Premiership final successes.
In total, the winger has crossed the whitewash 29 times in 73 Sarries appearances and feels at home in NW4.
“I’m very happy to extend my Saracens; it was a bit of a no-brainer for me,” Maitland said.
“My family love it here, we’re settled and I wanted to stayed because I love being here and I love what the club is about and the people that are in it.
“We’re one big family. That comes right from the top, from the owner, into the group and the Academy. We’re all aligned, one big family, and for me that’s important.
Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: “Sean has made an outstanding contribution to our club over the last four years both on and off the field.
“He has taken his game to a new level during that time and has had a great influence on some of our younger players. To have a player of Sean’s quality and experience commit his future to the club is a huge boost.”
Gloucester Rugby today announced the departure of Head Coach Johan Ackermann, who will be joining Japanese club NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in July.
Gloucester Rugby Chairman Martin St Quinton said “I’d look to put on record our thanks to Johan for the significant contribution he’s made to the Club over the three seasons he’s been with us. His infectious enthusiasm for the game, as well as his in-depth rugby knowledge, made him not only a fans’ favourite, but a strong leader of our playing department. I wish him every success in his new venture.”
David Humphreys, Director of Rugby, added:
“While I’m sorry to see Johan leave Gloucester Rugby, I fully understand his reasons for doing so. Johan approached Martin and me to say that he had received a number of coaching opportunities which, for personal reasons, he would like to consider and we agreed to his request.
In his 3 years at Gloucester, Johan transformed the way we play the game and his “play to inspire” philosophy will leave a lasting impact from his time at the Club. I know it was a difficult decision for him to leave Gloucester and I’ve no doubt he’ll make a real difference with the Red Hurricanes in Japan.
Ackermann joined the Cherry and Whites at the start of the 2017/18 season, and took the team to the final of the European Challenge Cup in his first season. The following season ended with the Club in third place in the Premiership, thus qualifying for a second successive season of European Champions Cup rugby.
Johan Ackermann had this message for the Gloucester fans, staff and players: “Being Head Coach of Gloucester Rugby has been a tremendous privilege for me, and I have loved every minute of it. Working with such a fantastic group of players and coaches has been a great experience. I would especially like to thank Martin [St Quinton] for the faith that he has shown in me. His support and friendship have meant a lot to me. Gloucester Rugby fans are a truly unique group, and I will always cherish the memories I have of being at Kingsholm. I wish the Club nothing but the best.”
Gloucester Rugby today announce the departure of Head Coach Johan Ackermann, who will be joining Japanese club NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in July.
Gloucester Rugby Chairman Martin St Quinton said “I’d look to put on record our thanks to Johan for the significant contribution he’s made to the Club over the three seasons he’s been with us. His infectious enthusiasm for the game, as well as his in-depth rugby knowledge, made him not only a fans’ favourite, but a strong leader of our playing department. I wish him every success in his new venture.”
David Humphreys, Director of Rugby, added:
“While I’m sorry to see Johan leave Gloucester Rugby, I fully understand his reasons for doing so. Johan approached Martin and me to say that he had received a number of coaching opportunities which, for personal reasons, he would like to consider and we agreed to his request.
In his 3 years at Gloucester, Johan transformed the way we play the game and his “play to inspire” philosophy will leave a lasting impact from his time at the Club. I know it was a difficult decision for him to leave Gloucester and I’ve no doubt he’ll make a real difference with the Red Hurricanes in Japan.
Ackermann joined the Cherry and Whites at the start of the 2017/18 season, and took the team to the final of the European Challenge Cup in his first season. The following season ended with the Club in third place in the Premiership, thus qualifying for a second successive season of European Champions Cup rugby.
Johan Ackermann had this message for the Gloucester fans, staff and players: “Being Head Coach of Gloucester Rugby has been a tremendous privilege for me, and I have loved every minute of it. Working with such a fantastic group of players and coaches has been a great experience. I would especially like to thank Martin [St Quinton] for the faith that he has shown in me. His support and friendship have meant a lot to me. Gloucester Rugby fans are a truly unique group, and I will always cherish the memories I have of being at Kingsholm. I wish the Club nothing but the best.”
In light of Johan’s departure and the implications arising from Covid-19, The Board of Gloucester Rugby has discussed a new coaching structure for the playing department, and will make an announcement about it once the appropriate consultations have taken place.
In light of Johan’s departure and the implications arising from Covid-19, The Board of Gloucester Rugby has discussed a new coaching structure for the playing department, and will make an announcement about it once the appropriate consultations have taken place.
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