Instonians Rugby Club is set to benefit from a major sponsorship deal worth £36,000 to help meet increased costs of competing in the All Ireland League and funding their drive to become more diverse.
Belfast-based Finlay Wealth Management has committed to a three-year sponsorship deal of the Shaws Bridge-based outfit.
The major investment will also help Instonians' outreach work with schools all over the city and support the development of the first-ever female team, and also help towards the costs associated with any amateur sports club including pitch management and medical expenses.
Read more: Ulster Rugby confirm new contracts for Alan O’Connor and Marcus Rea
Finlay Wealth Management’s sponsorship of the team comes as Instonians have five wins from five in the All-Ireland League, all with bonus points putting them seven points ahead at the top of the league table.
Jonathan Finlay said: “As an avid supporter of Instonians it is an honour to support them over the next three years with this sponsorship.
“Their impeccable play and preparation last season has seen a well-deserved return to the All-Ireland League for this 2022 / 23 season, while the club management has been successful in making the sport more accessible to everyone in the city.”
“Diversity is a big priority at Instonians RFC and testament to this is the development of its first-ever all-female team. We are delighted that our funding will help support not only the team’s success but allow the organisation as a whole to spread its wings and reach out to areas where rugby does not have a presence.”
The sponsorship is not the first time Finlay Wealth Management has supported the team. It was the headline sponsor of Instonians RFC's annual Gala Ball earlier this year when All Blacks star Sean Fitzpatrick was the guest speaker.
Owen Lambert, President at Instonians RFC, one of the oldest rugby clubs on the island of Ireland and now in its 103rd year, said: “The timing of Finlay Wealth Management’s support comes as we enter the All Ireland League, but also at a time when we seek to increase all our team numbers at every level.
"Driven by our 5 club values - For Everyone – Family - Forever – Fellowship - Folklore - we will use this funding to promote the increasingly diverse teams we have in place and use it to continue our outreach programmes to ensure the sport is inclusive and gives access to players from a non-rugby playing background. We want to thank Jonathan and his team for choosing us.”
Peter Bradley, Chairman of Instonians RFC added: “Instonians RFC is working hard to make rugby and the club itself as successful, diverse and inclusive as possible. The results speak for themselves with an ever-increasing number of our players from non-rugby playing backgrounds experiencing the benefits that rugby can bring — physically, socially and in their personal development.
"This ongoing work and upkeep of club facilities require a constant stream of funding making Finlay Wealth Management’s three-year support, very much appreciated and invaluable to pursuing our goals.”
Instonians RFC’s outreach work has seen it go from a once closed club fed only by RBAI to having 300 young people from 35 different schools making up its Youth and Minis sections preparing for Senior Rugby.
Clem Boyd, Director of Rugby at the club said: “Instonians RFC is a club for everyone, inclusivity is high up our agenda and we embrace all members irrespective of social background, gender, race and religion.
"Of course, we want Instonians to increase in numbers of players, to win trophies and leagues and achieve further promotion, but at our core and what we really want is for our young people to benefit from appreciating the customs and discipline within the sports we love.
"This work is not possible without financial support and we are delighted to have Finlay Wealth Management onboard as our sponsorship partner. We look forward to using this sponsorship deal to further grow our team and reap the rewards of doing so.”
READ NEXT:
- Ulster Rugby announce new contracts for influential pair
- McFarland insists there's much more to come from "explosive" Treadwell
Stephen Ferris hopes Ireland rugby squad can adopt Rory McIlroy mindset as world No.1
Worcester Warriors situation leaves Jonny Bell worrying about the game of rugby
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
