SP Energy Networks continues to power Scotland Women and age-grade sides

22 Sep 2021

Scottish Rugby has today announced a continuation of the partnership with SP Energy Networks, that further demonstrates the network operator’s commitment to supporting women’s and age-grade programmes in Scotland until 2023.

SP Energy Networks has supported the Scotland Women, Scotland U20 and Scotland U18 teams for the past three years. The partnership has gone from strength to strength, playing a vital role in the development of Scotland’s future talent and encouraging more girls and women to get involved in rugby and engineering.

In 2020, Scottish Rugby launched a content series, Powering Conversations, in partnership with SP Energy Networks. This successful series, hosted by Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm, featured inspiring women from the world of rugby and beyond, with previous guests including Scotland football international Jen Beattie, Paralympian Sammi Kinghorn and Scotland’s highest capped female rugby player, Donna Kennedy.

The partnership announcement in 2018 was a significant moment for the sport, as it was the first standalone shirt sponsor for the Scotland Women team separate from the Scotland men’s side since Scotland’s men’s and women’s rugby unions integrated in 2009.

SP Energy Networks’ logo will continue to feature on the front of all the Scotland Women, U20 and U18 teams’ home and alternate strips.

Scottish Rugby Head of Group Marketing & Commercial, Toni Blackhurst, said: “We are absolutely delighted to continue our powerful partnership with SP Energy Networks.

“Since 2018 we have built a strong and enduring partnership that has seen us make good progress in women’s and age-grade rugby in Scotland on and off the pitch.

“SP Energy Networks’ ongoing commitment to growing the women’s game has been instrumental over the years and directly aligns to Scottish Rugby’s new 3-year Strategy which will see an increased focus on developing the women’s pathway programme, driving participation, and improving inclusivity within the game.

“We are immensely proud to extend this important partnership and look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation by showcasing that rugby, like engineering, is not just for boys.”

CEO of SP Energy Networks, Frank Mitchell, said: “SP Energy Networks is proud to continue our partnership with Scottish Rugby, which supports Scotland’s Women, Scotland U20 and Scotland U18 as well as the communities we both serve. Our aim has always been to support and drive forward grass-roots rugby, but also to get closer to the communities we serve and help to raise awareness of engineering as a career choice – especially for women and girls.”