Ulster Rugby confirm deal with leading healthcare provider as new stadium sponsor
It is understood that an announcement was originally planned for July 10, however the reveal was rushed forward after the province were contacted with news of the partnership by the Belfast Telegraph.
Notably, the province have not revealed what the financials behind what they have described as 'landmark' deal will be, or the length of it, although it seems unlikely that it will be the same 10-year term that Kingspan agreed in June 2014.
Ulster have been on the lookout for a new sponsor since confirming in January 2024 they would be moving on from Kingspan, whose role in the Grenfell disaster led to significant scrutiny on their relationship, following a one-year "transition period".
In March it was confirmed that Co Antrim-based manufacturing company SAM would replace Kingspan as the province's principal sponsor, which will see their logo on the team's shirts, but would not be taking on the stadium sponsorship as well.
That, instead, has been given to Affidea, which runs 19 clinics across the island of Ireland and currently operates three established facilities in Northern Ireland – Orthoderm, Hillsborough Private Medical Clinic and Northern MRI – while in 2023 it announced its intention to open a new state-of-the-art facility on the Boucher Road.
The first game at the newly-named Affidea Stadium will be on August 9 when Ireland face Canada as part of the Women's Summer Series, with Ulster's first fixture due to be on September 26 when they face Dragons in their opening United Rugby Championship fixture.
'We are delighted to welcome Affidea as our new stadium naming rights partner,' commented Ulster Rugby chief executive Hugh McCaughey.
"Affidea shares our passion for high performance, our commitment to the health and wellbeing of people across the province, and our vision for the future of rugby in Ulster. Together, we will continue to invest in elite and grassroots rugby, and we look forward to seeing the Affidea Stadium become a beacon for sport and community pride in Ulster.'
Barry Downes, chief executive of Affidea UK and Ireland said: 'Affidea is thrilled to partner with Ulster Rugby, a club with rich heritage, passionate support, and a deep-rooted connection to the local community. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for Affidea to further grow our presence and impact in the province of Ulster.
"Rugby is a game that inspires excellence, teamwork, and trust, values that align strongly with our approach to healthcare. We're proud to see our name on a stadium that also represents those ideals.'
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