Royal Australian Navy Rugby Union (RANRU) has welcomed Raytheon Australia as its principal sponsor for the next three years. Raytheon Australia has been a sponsor of both the men’s and women’s sides since 1999. The announcement made at the Raytheon stand during the PACIFIC 2008 Exposition gave RANRU the opportunity to thank Raytheon Australia for their continued support. “I am delighted to make this announcement; Raytheon is a very strong supporter of Navy Rugby.

This enduring high level of commitment from Raytheon Australia will allow us to have a full program in the lead up to the 2009 Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup,” said President of RAN Rugby Union, Commodore Bruce Kafer. The sponsorship will also contribute to the development of Rugby at all levels across the fleet.

Ron Fisher, Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, elaborated on the motivation to sponsor the teams. “We are proud to continue this relationship with RANRU. We firmly believe that supporting our men and women in uniform doesn’t stop in the delivery of programs,” he said.

The Commonwealth Navies Rugby Cup event is held every three years and sees the best Rugby players from the Navies of Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and New Zealand come together for an intense series of competition. The sponsorship will contribute to the development of junior Rugby players across the fleet.

“RANRU is privileged to enjoy outstanding support from a sponsors such as Raytheon Australia, senior leaders and Navy as a whole” said CDRE Kafer.

For more information on RANRU contact the Marketing Manager, LCDR Paul Whetstone (02) 6265313 Paul.Whetstone1@defence.gov.au, or Team Managers (LEUT Ty Douglas, tyrone.duglas@defence.gov.au and LEUT Rose Apikotoa, rosemarie.apikotoa@defence.gov.au)