BKT and United Rugby Championship (URC) have extended their partnership until 2030, with BKT becoming the Official Global Tyre Partner for the tournament and expanding its reach across all URC territories, including Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales and South Africa.
Extended Agreement
This marks an eight-season partnership between BKT and URC, building on the collaboration that started in 2022 and improving the company’s presence in international rugby. The Lanfranchi Stadium in Parma served as the symbolic location for BKT and URC to reaffirm their commitment in the presence of Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe, and Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship.
Apart from rugby, BKT is also present in other sports championships including LALIGA, Serie BKT and Ligue 2 BKT (football), EuroLeague and BKT EuroCup (basketball), curling in Canada, cricket in India and Australia and Monster Jam motorsport competition.
“This milestone marks a significant step forward in our growth trajectory within sports. Becoming the Official Global Tyre Partner of the URC strengthens an already solid collaboration and projects it onto a global stage. Rugby embodies values that BKT deeply identifies with – passion, determination, and team spirit – and serves as an ideal platform to continue building meaningful relationships with fans, communities and stakeholders. With this new global positioning, we aim to leverage the love for rugby in every part of the world, engaging every fan,” stated Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe.
Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, added: “BKT’s decision to expand its partnership with the United Rugby Championship to a global level is a significant milestone for our league and a strong endorsement of the growth and international potential of the URC. We are delighted that BKT will now extend its investment across all five of our territories, including South Africa, while continuing as our Title Partner in the Northern Hemisphere. This expansion reflects the confidence BKT has in the URC, our clubs and our passionate supporters, and creates exciting new opportunities to connect with rugby communities across both hemispheres.
