Throughout Wales, over 180 WRU referees will be sporting the new kit, which includes Warburtons branded tracksuits, shorts and shirts. District referees will also be supported, a first for the family bakers and the WRU.
David Williams, manager of the Warburtons South Wales depot, said: 'Rugby is the national game of Wales and its supporters are passionate and proud to support the sport. This sponsorship opportunity was a perfect fit for Warburtons because we are committed to active healthy lifestyles and supporting the communities we serve.
'Since we started trading in Wales three and a half years ago, we have supported numerous schools, hospitals and charities but the WRU shirt sponsorship is the largest sponsorship deal we've been involved with in the area - especially as it will cover the whole of Wales. It is also appropriate that a family business and family brand, such as Warburtons, be linked to a family sport like rugby.'
The money from the sponsorship is being used to fund over 400 referees and touch judges which will cover more than 8000 Welsh Rugby Union and District Welsh Rugby Union games this season.
WRU referees at community rugby on a Sunday morning, such as mini-rugby, will also wear the kit.
The sponsorship money is also being used to help fund the Welsh Society of Rugby Union Referees in their work promoting the recruitment of referees and refereeing as a whole.
Every Welsh Premier League match will be Warburtons-sponsored, as will every match in the Lloyds TSB Leagues from Division One to Division Five. Also, the Konica Minolta Cup and the new age-grade regional competitions will be encompassed in the sponsorship.
David Moffett, WRU Group chief executive, paid tribute to Warburtons becoming the premier commercial supporter of Welsh rugby referees. 'As a former referee, I fully appreciate the support from companies such as Warburtons. Without it, we would not be able to do many of the things that are vital to the game such as increasing the number of referees at all levels and developing referees to an international standard. This new deal is great news for the WRU and we look forward to a long and beneficial association working with Warburtons,' he said.
