Lloyds Bank signs multi-year deal as England Rugby's first back-of-shirt sponsor

Lloyds Bank has become the first company to feature on the back of England Rugby shirts, after the RFU confirmed a multi-year agreement naming the bank as the Official Banking Partner of England Rugby — a deal covering both the senior men’s team and the Red Roses.

The Black Horse logo will appear on the reverse of match jerseys and anthem jackets worn by both squads, marking a new commercial milestone for English rugby. The partnership is the first of its kind for either side.

Beyond the branding, the RFU says Lloyds will work alongside the union on initiatives aimed at improving the long-term sustainability of grassroots clubs, upgrading community facilities, and introducing tens of thousands of young people to the sport. Specific details on those projects are expected to be announced in 2027.

England men’s captain Maro Itoje welcomed the deal, pointing to its potential reach beyond the international game. “Some of my earliest memories of rugby come from the people I met through the game — my coaches, my teammates I grew up alongside and the volunteers who gave their time every week,” he said. “What excites me about this partnership is Lloyds’ commitment to the whole game; to strengthen those foundations, welcome more people into rugby and help our incredible sport fulfil its potential. The impact will be fully felt across rugby, from local clubs and young players right through to the England teams.”

Red Roses winger Ellie Kildunne echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of investment at club level. “The strength of English rugby comes from the people who volunteer their time, support their clubs, and help young players develop a love for the game,” she said. “Knowing that this partnership will invest in those foundations, while also helping the game grow and reach new audiences, makes it an exciting step forward for everyone involved in rugby.”

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney described the agreement as a significant moment for the sport in England. “Lloyds is one of the country’s most recognised and proudly British brands, and their commitment extends far beyond visibility on the England shirt,” he said. “Together, we have a shared ambition to grow the game from the grassroots up, creating more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to play, enjoy and be part of rugby.”

Both teams are set to debut the new jerseys imminently. The Red Roses open their WXV Global Series campaign against Australia on 12 September at the CorpAcq Stadium in Salford, while Steve Borthwick’s men begin their autumn schedule against Australia on 8 November at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.