Auckland Nines: Downer takes over Dick Smith sponsorship
Australian construction company revealed as new naming rights sponsor – but for one year only.
Downer has been revealed as the new naming rights sponsor for the Auckland Nines.
The Australian-owned construction and engineering company replaces Dick Smith, which went into receivership on January 4.
Dick Smith was three years into a five-year sponsorship deal at the time of its collapse. The Downer deal is for this year's tournament only.
Downer, which operates across Australia and New Zealand, is one of the firms chosen to work on the first construction phase of Auckland's multi-billion city rail link project.
Event organiser Duco has not put a price tag on the last-minute deal but CEO Martin Sneddon says the prize pool will remain the same as last year: a total pool of $A2.25 million, including $A500,000 to the winners.
Auckland Council agency ATEED remains the secondary sponsor in terms of naming rights but reportedly the largest in terms of financial contribution with a $1.75 million package.
Australasia's top rugby league clubs will fight it out for the money over Waitangi Day weekend at Eden Park. The tournament's official name will be the Downer NRL Auckland Nines.
Although Duco won't put a number on the Downer deal, NBR can reveal it was a competitive bidding situation – by dint of the fact NBR publisher Todd Scott was actively negotiating for naming rights.
"I would suggest that the investment was for more than the offer NBR made to take over as the naming sponsor. I am aware that there were a few companies that entered into discussions with them for the opportunity," Mr Scott says.
Mr Sneddon says if February's tournament goes well, Duco will talk to Downer about a longer-term contract.
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Auckland Nines: Downer takes over Dick Smith sponsorship
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