The ACT Brumbies will step into uncharted rugby union waters next year after signing the biggest major sponsorship deal in their history that is set to put them on the radar in Israel.
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Brumbies general manager Simon Chester will fly to the Middle East at the end of the week to meet with Plus500 bosses after finalising a 12-month deal despite a turbulent 12 months off the field.
Chester worked with Plus500 to secure a deal believed to be worth more than $1.5 million for the 2017 Super Rugby season while former naming-rights sponsor Aquis has given up front-of-jersey exposure.
It follows speculation that the Brumbies were in danger of being kicked out of Super Rugby as they prepare to report a financial loss at their annual general meeting in December.
Chairman Robert Kennedy wants fans to show their support for the club to prove to the ARU and SANZAAR "they'd be mad to run a competition without the Brumbies in it".
SANZAAR has delayed its decision on whether to overhaul the competition format and the Brumbies wearing the most lucrative playing strip in the club's history is a timely reminder for the ARU as they continue to search for an Australian Super Rugby sponsor.
The Brumbies have kept their sponsorship portfolio together despite back-room drama and Chester worked with Plus500 to join Spanish soccer giant Atletico Madrid as the company's only sporting partnerships.
"It's a massive financial boost for the club and a testament to the hard work of the commercial team given we're coming off a pretty rough year," Chester said.
"The brand got bashed around a little bit there but we were able to get through that. We've got a lot of interest from global brands out there looking to get involved with the club.
"The Brumbies still have appeal internationally and the global television audience is growing. We're still negotiation with some brands for a spot on the back of the jersey and I'm confident a good brand will take it."
Plus500's main operations are in Israel but the company is launching a push into Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
The Brumbies have been working to create links in China and exploring options of taking a game to Asia in the coming years.
Their partnership with Aquis will still pave the way for Chinese relationships but there are no plans to play games in Israel.
"I never imagined when I started at the Brumbies five years ago that I'd be heading to China and Israel," Chester said.
"But that's an indication of how good the game is globally. The opportunities in China are commercial and also game development as well.
"Every year we've had an ambitious sponsorship target, but we are essentially on budget for our 2017 season and we still have assets to sell."
There were concerns Aquis would use a termination clause in its sponsorship agreement after the ACT election this year, but has committed to at least 12 months with options to extend the partnership.
Aquis, which is based in Hong Kong, said it was happy to move to a shorts and collar sponsor, as well as becoming the naming-rights partner for Canberra's community rugby.
Plus500 boss Sean Murphy said: "Super Rugby has become global, we feel that suits our branding push and will help grow our client base significantly.
"Timing is everything, we've been looking to get into Australia for a while and we've decided now is the time to make a push. It's a good fit."
