Westpac has today announced a new partnership with the National Rugby League (NRL). As the NRL's official bank and payment platform, Westpac will provide equal financial support for the men's and women's competitions with a committed dollar-for-dollar investment.
The partnership extends across all major NRL and NRL Women's (NRLW) competitions, including the Premiership, Finals Series, Grand Final, men's and women's State of Origin series and domestic Test Matches, and both the Australian Kangaroos and Jillaroos teams.
Westpac will also become the official match ball sponsor, featuring on the NRL and NRLW competition balls, as well as across NRL RISE Rookie Academy apparel, from the start of the training season in November 2022.
The partnership officially commences on 1 November 2022 and will also include:
- Equal opportunities. The RISE Rookie Academy, presented by Westpac, will help find, train and develop the next generation of NRLW players. This will support the league's growth from six to 10 NRLW clubs in 2023. Westpac's investment has already provided additional resources to each program including kit, strength and conditioning equipment, manuals and staff education.
- Community engagement. As an Official Partner of NRL Road to Regions, Westpac's investment will help grow a program that already gives over 25,000 members of regional communities the chance to get involved with Rugby League every year - as players, officials and volunteers. Westpac will also become presenting partner of the annual NRL Community Awards.
- Support beyond the field. Investment in the RISE Coach Development Program, designed to develop and empower the next generations of coaches. Participants will receive education in contemporary coaching practices, strength and conditioning, and social and emotional development - so they can provide players with all the tools they need to reach their potential.
Westpac Group CEO, Peter King, launched the partnership alongside NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo:
"Like Westpac, Rugby League has a long and rich history. Together with the NRL, we look forward to growing the game and helping more Australians take part," Mr King said.
"This partnership is about levelling the playing field, through an equal investment in the men's and women's programs.
"We'll be supporting all levels of the game, from elite men and women to the RISE Rookie Academy and NRL Coaching Pathway Program. We can't wait for kick off."
NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo, added:
"We are delighted to welcome Westpac as the NRL's official banking and payment platform partner. Westpac has ambitious growth plans and proudly invests in a number of meaningful community initiatives.
"Having Westpac on our official NRL and NRLW balls is symbolic of their commitment to investment equally in the men's and women's game. It is also symbolic of this community focused partnership, from grassroots to the elite game.
"We continue to see unprecedented growth at all levels of women's Rugby League, with female grassroots participation our fastest growing area - so this new partnership will enable continued growth through Westpac's investment in the female RISE Rookie Academy program."
