Paramount Garments have extended their sponsorship contract with Harare Province Rugby in a move that will see the leading clothing manufacturing company remaining as the title sponsor of the ongoing Under-20 League and other senior domestic competitions this year.
The sponsorship deal is an extension of the initial partnership package from the 2019-2020 season which was largely inactive due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Paramount Garments’ exports finance director Jeremy Youmans said they are pleased to continue their relationship with local rugby.
“We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of rugby in 2023 as the work that has been put into the sport by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, Harare Rugby, clubs and various stakeholders requires continuous support to ensure consistency in the delivery of the sport,” Youmans said.
“Last year for the first time, the Zimbabwe Under-20 rugby team qualified for the next Under-20 World Cup…This is a measure that, with the right support, we have the potential ability to successfully compete on international stages. Just as Paramount is a significant exporter of our locally made garments, we also want to be part of the process to develop our local sporting talent to success in the largest international event,” he added.
Younas said Paramount Garments has plans to extend their sponsorship to other provinces around the country in addition to high profile invitational rugby competitions which will feature international teams.
As part of the sponsorship deal, Paramount has committed to ensuring that matches take place as per the league schedule for the season.
To ensure the safety of players during matches and training sessions, Paramount handed over stadia safety equipment for five stadiums, from field markers to post pads.
The company will also provide funding for referees’ fees and various administration-related costs to ensure all Harare Rugby League games are played at a professional level.
Harare Province Rugby chairperson Joe Kawonza thanked Paramount for their continued support for local rugby which he said had played an important role in the successful hosting of domestic rugby matches.
“As Harare Province Rugby, we appreciate Paramount Garments’ continued partnership and commitment to growing the sport of rugby. This sponsorship has allowed us to improve the execution of games as key safety aspects around matches are taken care of such as the placement of stadia marking equipment and availability of ambulance services and medical teams during games that provide a safer environment. Clubs are excited about another go at the championship- this improves the level of play, at the end of the day guaranteeing a better game for Zimbabwe,” Kawonza said.
The rugby administrator also made an appeal to fans to come in their numbers to support their teams.
Meanwhile, action in the Harare Province Under-20 continues at Old Hararians Sports Club on Saturday with seven matches lined up in both Division One and the top-tier competitions.
The main match of the day will see Old Georgians hoping to bounce back from last week’s defeat against Old Hararians when they tackle the defending champions Pitbulls.
Hosts Old Hararians will be eager to maintain their perfect start to the season when they battle it out against Northern Chiefs while Harare Sports Club face off against FS Raiders.