RUGBY UNION

NIG sponsors Scottish Thistles Sevens Development Team

NIG, one of the UK's leading insurance providers, has announced that it is to continue its sponsorship of the Scottish Thistles Sevens Development Team over the 2002 rugby season.

The NIG Scottish Thistles will this year compete in the Melrose Sevens on Saturday 13 April, and in the Henley International Sevens on Saturday 11 May, with some of the players possibly proceeding through to play for the national team in IRB World Series tournaments around the world.

The season will climax with the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in early August when many of the leading teams in the world - such as New Zealand, South Africa and Fiji - will compete for the Gold medal.  

'The SRU is delighted that NIG is to sponsor our Sevens Development Team again this year,' commented Roy Laidlaw, Scotland's Sevens Manager. 'We enjoyed a successful partnership last season that the Union and the players are keen to build on in 2002.

'The focus of this year's Sevens season is without doubt our participation in the Commonwealth Games and the backing given to us by NIG will ensure that we have the opportunity to gain as much competition practice as we can prior to the Games.'

Charles Earle, Managing Director of NIG's Commercial Division, said: 'The determination and enthusiasm that the NIG Scottish Thistles displayed last season was inspirational and NIG is proud to continue its association with such a successful and motivated side.'

Former Scotland and British Lions captain Gavin Hastings, who is involved with NIG on the sponsorship, said: 'Sevens Rugby is really coming into its own now and NIG's continued support for the Scotland Development Team is a great boost to the players in their preparation for the all-important Commonwealth Games.'

NIG believe that this sponsorship will not only continue to increase awareness of the company in Scotland, but that it will maintain and build its status as a leading insurer of small to medium sized businesses and private customers throughout the UK.

* Heady PR: 020 8743 7797; headypr@aol.com