Land Rover powers Navy SC Rugby in 2011

A unique ‘amphibious’ partnership has been forged between the masters of the land and the masters of the sea, with Land Rover confirming its status as principal sponsor of the rugby team of the Sri Lanka Navy for 2011.

The ‘sailors’ now sport the insignia of the iconic automotive brand synonymous globally with performance, adventure and endurance under the partnership formalised recently by Commodore J.D.A. Amaranayake – Chairman of Rugby and Director Sports of the Sri Lanka Navy and Sheran Fernando – CEO of Frontier Automotive (Pvt) Ltd., the sole representative for Land Rover in Sri Lanka.

“This partnership in Sri Lanka is a good match for Land Rover, which supports rugby at the highest level globally,” Fernando said. “Agility, strength and indomitable spirit are characteristics that the Land Rover brand has in common with those who play the game.”  

“The rugby team of the Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club has demonstrated an ability to perform amidst gruelling conditions and overcome odds, scoring wins against fancied teams and developing a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the Caltex League Rugby Tournament,” he added. “It is therefore a pleasure to support such a sporting outfit of great potential.”

P.N.D. Kaluarachchi – Manager of the team, Dilroy Fernando – Representative, Canterbury of New Zealand, the official sportswear supplier to the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and members of the team including its Captain Yositha Rajapaksa were also present at the formalisation of the sponsorship.

The Sri Lanka Navy Rugby team won its first two matches against the Air Force and Army Sports Clubs, and held CR&FC to a draw in the first round of the 2011 Caltex League Rugby Tournament. The team has matches coming up against C.H & F.C., Police S.C, Kandy S.C and Havelocks S.C.

The Navy Sports Club emerged the Most Popular Rugby Team in 2009 while Captain Yositha Rajapaksa has been voted the Most Popular Ruggerite.

Land Rover is an official sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and a top-level Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 in England. It is also the official vehicle of Rugby World Cup 2011, the England national rugby team and of England’s Premiership Rugby.