Rugby Australia hunts Super Rugby sponsors as Harvey Norman ends deal

Rugby Australia is on the hunt for a naming rights sponsor for 2024's Super Rugby competition after Harvey Norman opted to not renew its existing deal. 

Harvey Norman announced it would not end its three-year deal with Rugby Australia when it expires at the end of this year. 

A Rugby Australia spokesperson confirmed to Mediaweek that it was "actively" pursuing a replacement sponsor. 

“Rugby Australia (RA) wishes to thank Harvey Norman for its enthusiastic support of Rugby over the last three years. RA is currently in market and actively involved in discussions for a replacement.”

The news that Harvey Norman is dropping its sponsorship comes after another major RA partner, investment platform eToro, announced it would not be renewing its deal.

“After a rewarding three-year partnership, we are not renewing our sponsorship with Rugby Australia as we have decided to focus on new opportunities,” a spokesperson said.

Harvey Norman is the second sponsor this month to opt against renewing its sponorship agreement, after global trading platform eToro announced the end of its three-year deal opting to ink a new three-year sponsorship deal with the A-League. 

The announcement comes in the wake of a tough few months for the organisation following the Wallabies' poor performance in the Rugby World Cup, the departure of controversial coach Eddie Jones and this week's boardroom showdown and subsequent axing of chairman Hamish McLennan. 

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