QBE announces British Irish Lions sponsorship

The alignment with the British & Irish Lions continues QBE’s partnership with rugby internationally which currently includes sponsorship of England Rugby, North Harbour Rugby and a collaboration with La Unión Argentina de Rugby.

John Neal, QBE Insurance Group Chief Executive Officer said:

“We are delighted to be chosen as a Principal Partner of the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. The Lions represents perhaps the ultimate example of “all for one and one for all” teamwork. Every four years, the finest players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales come together to challenge the very best teams from the Southern hemisphere. Perhaps even more important than the undoubted individual skills of the players, two factors are critical to the Lions’ success - inspirational leadership and excellent teamwork.

The challenges faced and ultimately the rewards achieved closely mirror our own business. Our customers expect a one-team approach, working with us in close and enduring partnerships. By using our global footprint, along with our local knowledge, we can give them the confidence to achieve their ambitions.”

British & Irish Lions COO, Charlie McEwen said:

“With their long history of supporting rugby we are delighted QBE have joined the British & Irish Lions as a Principal Partner.

As one of the world’s leading international insurers, QBE’s ability to look at managing and mitigating risk from every possible angle means they understand how important it is for the Lions to build a strong backroom team to support the players on the field. The coaches, analysts, strength & conditioning, medical, logistics, all the administrative teams and our partners come together with a common goal of uniting as one to ensure our players are best placed to meet the challenges in New Zealand. We are looking forward to working with QBE and their support for the British & Irish Lions and our “team behind the team.”

For further information please contact:

Sandra Villanueva
Corporate Communications
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7105 5284
Email: Sandra.villanueva@uk.qbe.com

Sara Williams
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7256 8912
Email: sara.williams@jeffersoncommunications.co.uk

Visit us on the web at www.QBEeurope.com
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Notes to editors:

• QBE has a long history of supporting rugby internationally. In 2011, QBE agreed a four-year deal to become title sponsor of the QBE Internationals and the Official Insurance Partner of England Rugby. In 2012, QBE agreed a partnership with the Argentinian Rugby Union (UAR). QBE has been a sponsor of North Harbour Rugby since 2003 and sponsored Premiership Rugby from 2009-2013.
• QBE worked in partnership with the RFU in delivering a rugby coaching initiative for the community and recruited and trained more than 2,000 level 2 coaches to ensure that participation in rugby develops and is sustainable.
• QBE Insurance Group has an insurer financial strength rating of ‘A+’ from Standard & Poor’s and is one of the world's leading international insurers and reinsurers, headquartered in Sydney, Australia. We operate in 37 countries with a presence in all key insurance markets, and are lead underwriters within our chosen markets, setting rates and conditions.
• In Europe, QBE offers an extensive range of business insurance products from the standard suite of property, liability and motor to the specialist financial lines, marine, energy and political risk. QBE works in partnership with insurance intermediaries to deliver tailored cover to businesses from sole traders, via its online trading platform, to SMEs, large corporates and global multinationals.
• The Lions Tour of New Zealand will consist of 10 games played throughout the country between June 3 and July 8, including three Test matches against the double World Champions.