News | 22 Dec 2023

Thunder and Lightning: Vodafone rugby partnership storms ahead

Vodafone’s multi-year partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union now includes two new teams.

Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder, two new Welsh rugby teams that will play in the cross-border Celtic Challenge tournament, now have Vodafone as their Principal Partner.

The partnership is part of Vodafone’s commitment to help grow rugby in Wales at all levels. Vodafone is the Principal Partner of the Wales Women’s and Men’s national and pathway teams at U20s and U18s levels. The company has used its technology to help the women’s team implement a menstrual tracking program. Elsewhere, Vodafone has assisted grassroots clubs and partnered with rugby mental health charity LooseHeadz.

Vodafone launches new menstrual cycle tracking technology with the Women’s Welsh Rugby Union

The new menstrual tracking programme is part of Vodafone’s PLAYER.Connect platform, which aggregates data from athletes’ wearable devices in real-time, allowing for instant analysis.

Max Taylor, Chief Commercial Officer at Vodafone UK said: “We’re proud to further expand our partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union and strengthen our support of women’s rugby to include Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning as they represent Wales at the upcoming Celtic Challenge tournament. As the Founding Principal Partner of Women’s and Girls Rugby in Wales, we have ambitious plans to continue to develop the women’s game, from grassroots to national level, and we remain committed to bringing these to life with the WRU.”

Nigel Walker, Interim WRU CEO, said: “Vodafone’s commitment and investment in Women’s rugby in Wales has been outstanding. As a principal partner, Vodafone’s support for our two new franchises – Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning – will allow us to continue the investment and development of the game in Wales. Ours and Vodafone’s commitment to women’s rugby is unwavering and we are both excited to see both teams showcase the undoubted talent in Wales.”

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