Echelon Data Centres is proud to announce a new partnership with Arklow RFC to support the rugby club’s remarkable efforts to grow participation in sport in Wicklow.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, Echelon becomes the Arklow’s new shirt sponsor for 2023, with a view to extending the deal for a longer period of time.

The sponsorship will fund new playing kit for the men’s senior team, and support the club’s efforts to encourage more youngsters to take up rugby.

Arklow RFC has experienced growth of more than 50% in player numbers at youth level over the past five years, growing from two boys teams to five, and from one youth girls team to having strong teams across four age groups. Almost 40% of the club’s 380 youth players are female and Arklow claimed five titles across their male and female youth teams last season, including South East Leinster Cups, Leinster Plates, and a Leinster Premier League.

The rugby club also has a men’s team, one ladies’ team called the ‘Arklow Amazons’, a vibrant minis section, and last summer started an inclusive mixed ability team called the ‘Red Kites’ which now has more than 19 active players.

Echelon has two data centre sites in development in Wicklow, and CEO Niall Molloy said the company was keen to sponsor Arklow RFC because of the club’s passion for making sport open and accessible.

He said: “Echelon has a responsibility to support people in the communities where we operate – especially those who are doing remarkable things. That’s what Arklow RFC is doing with their vision to make rugby accessible to as many men, women, and children as possible, regardless of ability and whether they have played before.

“The club’s growth in recent years is remarkable and it’s testament to work of the volunteers at the club. They are demonstrating the power of sport and the positive impact it can have on communities, and Echelon is proud to support them.”

Ian Gavigan, Arklow RFC Chairman, said: “We’re delighted with the support of Echelon Data Centres, which will help the senior teams and the pipeline of players feeding these teams. Echelon is a perfect partner for Arklow RFC, in that they recognise, as we do, the need to support and develop people in the community driving participation in team sports.”


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