Cidermakers Thatchers is to have its name on Bristol Rugby’s home and away shirts for the upcoming season as the club returns to the Premiership.
The firm will also extend its presence at Ashton Gate, home to both Bristol Rugby and Bristol City FC, as its £45m redevelopment nears completion. Thatchers’ branding will also appear on Bristol Rugby Ladies’ matchday kit. 
Thatchers Gold, Haze and Dry ciders will be available on draught in Ashton Gate’s bars from this Saturday when the new Sky Bet Championship football season kicks off, as well as at a new Thatchers mobile bar.
Bristol Rugby’s first home game of the 2016/17 Aviva Premiership campaign is against Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate on Sunday, September 11.
Thatchers will become the official Man of the Match partner for Bristol Rugby, complemented by pitchside, website and programme presence.
The firm also becomes a founder partner of Bristol Sport’s business group The Lansdown Club.
Thatchers, which has made its ciders on the family-owned Myrtle Farm at Sandford since 1904, is a long-term official sponsor of Bristol Rugby’s arch West Country rival Bath – meaning it is now involved with two Premiership clubs.
In May the firm renewed its sponsorship package with Bath, increasing its brand presence at The Rec – home to the Thatchers Stand. The brand is also on the back of Bath players’ matchday jerseys,
On the Bristol deal, Martin Thatcher, the fourth generation of his family to make cider at Myrtle Farm, said: “We’ve enjoyed a long association with Ashton Gate and the passionate supporters of Bristol Rugby and Bristol City FC.
“We’re delighted to be developing our partnership with Bristol Sport at this exciting time, not just as Bristol Rugby makes a long-awaited return to the Premiership, but with their fantastic new facilities at Ashton Gate.”
Bristol Sport CEO Andrew Billingham added: “Thatchers ciders have long been a favourite at Ashton Gate. We’re pleased to see that relationship develop and extend to Bristol Rugby’s iconic home and away shirts.
“With Bristol Rugby back in the top flight and the ‘new’ Ashton Gate Stadium on the brink of completion, it’s a hugely exciting time for the club and our commercial partners.”
