Amlin, the leading FTSE-listed specialist insurer, is in its first season of an initial three-year partnership with European Rugby Cup (ERC).
Amlin, the leading FTSE-listed specialist insurer, is in its first season of an initial three-year partnership with European Rugby Cup (ERC).
Under this deal, Amlin is Title Partner of the Amlin Challenge Cup and Premium Partner of the Heineken Cup.
To continue Amlin's goal of supporting the growth and development of European club rugby, Amlin are donating £1,000 worth of kit and equipment to each rugby youth development scheme chosen by the Man of the Match (MOTM) winners from 2009/2010 televised Amlin Challenge Cup matches. This initiative is called MOTM+
Tau'fau Filise and Xavier Rush were nominated as Amlin Man of the Match following Cardiff's quarter-final victory against Newcastle (Filise) and semi-final victory against Wasps (Rush). They have chosen Whitchurch HS and Pontyclun RFC to be the beneficiaries of the kit and equipment donation, each consisting of the following items:
1 x bag containing 10 x Amlin branded balls (mixture of size 4 and size 5)
1 x bag containing: 60 Marker Cones, 3 x Powers Speed Resistors, 3 x Evasion Belts, 6 x 4m Speed Ladders, 30 x Bibs, 9 x 9" Hurdles, 9 x 12" Hurdles, 3 x Speed Chutes
Speaking at the Vale of Glamorgan Training Centre, Jane Waters of Pontyclun RFC said about the equipment,
"We would like to thank Cardiff Blues for nominating us for this award and also say a very special word of thanks to Amlin for their generous donation of £1000 worth of equipment."
"All the 220 young players, both boys and girls, at our club will benefit directly by using this equipment."
"In the current financial climate it has been difficult for grass roots organisations like us to fundraise and find sponsors and we have struggled."
"It is important that our junior teams do not suffer and winning this award means they will have brand new equipment for next season."
In addition to the MOTM+ activity, Amlin will be helping 40 Cardiff fans travel to the Amlin Challenge Cup Final in Marseille this Sunday by providing tickets, transport and accommodation.
Eight of these, members of Pontyclun RFC's youth scheme, will take part in the Amlin guard of honour prior to kick-off.
Jane continued,
"We would also like to thank Amlin for providing a fantastic opportunity for eight of our young players to travel to Marseille to be the Guard of Honour."
"All who are travelling are very excited and feel honoured in being chosen to represent Blues region junior teams at such a prestigious sporting event.
"All the players can't wait to be part of the Guard of Honour and cheer on their Blues heroes to victory," added Jane.
By the end of 2009/2010 season, Amlin will have distributed a total of 19 kit and equipment packs to youth development schemes across the UK and France.