Canberra Super Rugby franchise the Brumbies have secured their financial future by signing a six-year deal with integrated resorts company Aquis as the Principal Partner and Naming Rights Sponsor of the Brumbies.

The partnership, which extends until the end of the 2020 season, is effective immediately. Brumbies players will run out for their first game of the 2015 Super Rugby season against the Queensland Reds at GIO Stadium on Friday night with the Aquis logo on the front of their jerseys.

Aquis specialises in the development of entertainment based resorts that concentrate a wide range of tourism-oriented attractions into single, large-scale facilities. The company’s Australian portfolio includes the proposed Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort and the recently acquired Casino Canberra.

Aquis have identified Canberra as a key market and have already announced plans for a major redevelopment of the area encompassing the current Casino Canberra site to deliver a world-class entertainment precinct.

That commitment extends to investment in the city more broadly. Aquis intends to deliver significant projects that will drive tourism and provide new and exciting leisure opportunities for Canberrans. The relationship with the Brumbies is a demonstration of the company’s long-term commitment to Canberra.

Brumbies Chief Executive Michael Jones said he is thrilled to welcome Aquis to the Brumbies family.

“This partnership deal is a fantastic outcome for all those involved with the Brumbies,” he said.

“Aquis are with us for up to six years which will provide the Brumbies with much-needed security and will allow us plenty of opportunities in forward planning.

“The Brumbies and Aquis share a number of common goals. Central to these goals is our desire to be recognised as world-class organisations. We are also both very committed to the ACT and to providing Canberrans with a world-class entertainment experience on their doorstep.

“This announcement has already provided a significant confidence boost to our team going into their first game of the season this week.”

Aquis Managing Director, Justin Fung, said the company is very pleased to cement their commitment to Canberra by partnering with one of the city’s most loved and recognised brands.

“We saw an opportunity to help secure the Brumbies future while shining a light on the exciting plans we have to bring next generation entertainment to Canberra,” he said.

“One of the defining qualities of Canberra is the way that sport, and the Brumbies, is woven into the very fabric of the city. Given that we are seeking to build a strong entertainment brand, we are very keen for sport to be a key part of that.

“We think the Brumbies have a very strong future under the new leadership team and the plans to develop Super Rugby are very exciting. We’re hopeful that our involvement will allow the Brumbies to firmly focus on the future and continue to build on their impressive legacy. And I’m looking forward to being right beside them as they do that.”

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