News

Counties Manukau Rugby is paying tribute to long-running partners PIC Insurance Brokers after their commercial relationship has come to an end. PIC has been a key partner of Counties Manukau Rugby for 18 years and has been the front of jersey sponsor of the Steelers throughout that period.

 

A recent NZR-led competition-wide partnership, beneficial to all 14 Bunnings Warehouse NPC provinces, has forced a change to the relationship. “We have been very blessed to have PIC as a huge supporter and partner over such a long period and cannot thank the team there enough for all that they have done for us,” Counties Manukau Rugby chief executive Chad Shepherd said. The late Mike Garner started and championed this relationship and it really has been a true partnership and something we have cherished. Both parties were keen to continue but the new NZR-led deal is hugely beneficial to the wider competition, and we have had to be team players with it. It is awesome to note that PIC, through the Garner family, will continue to support rugby in the region by donating towards the Trust Fund that we have started for the free fees of the junior rugby scheme.”

 

PIC Insurance Brokers’ Robyn Garner said they were sad to be ending their partnership. “Over the years, PIC has made many great memories with Counties Manukau Rugby, from hosting clients, insurers, employees and friends of PIC at ‘Keith’s Table’ at Navigation Homes Stadium, all the way through to last year’s conference when we hosted guest speakers from the union. Neither Counties Manukau Rugby nor PIC wanted the partnership to come to an end, however, an opportunity came up through one of our competitors that will benefit all 14 NPC teams and protect the future of the competition. After lots of discussion and consideration, PIC agreed to step aside to allow this overarching partnership to proceed for the betterment of the wider competition.”