Elior UK Becomes Title Sponsor of Champ Rugby

Champ Rugby, the second tier of English men’s rugby, has announced a multi-year title sponsorship with contract caterer Elior UK. Effective immediately, the competition will be known as Elior Champ Rugby. This marks the league’s first title sponsorship in over six years, signaling a shift towards purpose-led collaborations.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

The partnership between Champ Rugby and Elior UK is founded on shared values, with a focus on community impact, health, and wellbeing. Both organizations aim to champion the role of nutrition and healthy lifestyles in supporting performance, both on and off the pitch, benefiting players, fans, and local communities. Champ Rugby and Elior UK will work together to promote these values.

About Champ Rugby

Featuring 14 professional and semi-professional teams across England, Champ Rugby serves as a ‘proving ground’ for future rugby stars. Champ Rugby was established in 1987 and is administered by the Rugby Football Union (RFU). Historically, the competition offered automatic promotion to the top-flight PREM Rugby, but a vote by the RFU Council on February 27, 2026, abolished automatic promotion and relegation between the two tiers, beginning with the 2026-27 season. Despite this change, Champ Rugby remains a crucial pathway to the PREM Rugby through a new criteria-based expansion model. The league operates on a points system: 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, with bonus points awarded for scoring four or more tries or losing by seven points or fewer.

Elior UK’s Expanding Sports Portfolio

This sponsorship builds upon Elior UK’s existing involvement in UK sports, including partnerships with Scottish Rugby’s Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium and Glasgow Warriors. Rugbypass reports that Elior UK, founded in 1991, employs 10,000 people across five countries.

Statements from Key Leaders

Brian Facer, Head of Champ Rugby, stated, “At Champ Rugby, we exist to grow the game, develop people and strengthen communities. Elior UK shares that same commitment to driving opportunity and long-term impact. This is about fuelling futures – investing in healthier lifestyles, stronger clubs and the next generation of players and fans.”

Catherine Roe, Chief Executive Officer at Elior UK, added, “This is far more than a sponsorship – it’s a partnership built on shared values. We’re championing nutrition and healthier lifestyles and supporting local communities and future talent. This collaboration enables us to bring our purpose to life in a meaningful and impactful way.”

Recent Developments in UK Sports Partnerships

Alongside the Elior UK and Champ Rugby partnership, several other notable sports partnerships have been announced recently:

• Titan Wealth Launches Sports Division: Wealth management firm Titan Wealth has launched a dedicated Sports Division to support athletes and sports organizations with financial planning and career transition.
• Baller League UK Extends Sky Sports Broadcast Deal: Baller League UK has extended its broadcast partnership with Sky Sports for a third season, ensuring live coverage of all matches.
• PSA Partners with Zeal: The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has signed a multi-year partnership with fintech innovator Zeal to develop a global loyalty program for squash players.
• London Youth Rowing and Thames Water Collaborate: Youth charity London Youth Rowing has partnered with Thames Water to expand its programs and provide opportunities for young people in the Thames Valley.