England rugby adds back-of-shirt sponsor through deal with Lloyds Bank

England’s men’s and women’s rugby teams will feature a sponsor’s name on the back of their shirts for the first time following a new partnership with Lloyds Bank. The Rugby Football Union announced the multi-million pound agreement, which places the bank's name and black horse logo above player names on official kits. The branding will debut this weekend when the Red Roses face Australia in Manchester. Beyond match jerseys, the logo will appear on anthem jackets and training bibs as part of a long-term investment into the community game. While the new sponsorship provides a financial boost for the union, current regulations prevent the inclusion of sponsors on kits during next year’s World Cup. O2 remains the primary front-of-shirt sponsor for the teams, a role they have held for three decades.

• 8:12 AMYahoo Sports — England to make major change to kit after striking sponsorship deal with Lloyds Bank