WEALTH August 26, 2026 0 Comments

Energia’s Bold Move with Connacht Rugby Could Reshape Sports Sponsorship Forever — Here’s What It Means for Investors

Ever wonder what happens when energy meets empathy on the rugby field? Energia’s recent move to extend its partnership with Connacht Rugby for another two years is more than just business as usual—it’s a powerful step towards inclusivity that shatters the old playbook. Since kicking off their alliance in 2024, Energia hasn’t just powered the lights at Dexcom Stadium; they’ve ignited the Rugby for All programme, breaking barriers for kids and adults with physical and learning differences across the province. This summer’s collaboration with Galway’s Ability West and their remarkable Camp Ability speaks volumes—because what’s better than sport? Sport for all, right? And with Connacht’s freshly minted Cultura Captains leading the charge, this isn’t just a game extension; it’s a calling to embrace diversity with open arms and muddy boots. Energy, community, and heart—that’s a combo no marketing campaign can fake. Keep your eyes on this evolving partnership; it’s redefining what it means to truly play on the same team. LEARN MORE

Energia has extended its partnership with Connacht Rugby for a further two years, while expanding its Rugby for All programme across the province.

The energy company, which became an official partner of Connacht Rugby in 2024, will build on an initiative aimed at increasing rugby participation among children and adults with physical or learning differences.

The expanded programme began earlier this summer through a partnership with Galway-based charity Ability West and its Camp Ability summer camps, which support children with intellectual disabilities and autism.

The partnership extension was marked at the closing ceremony for Camp Ability at Dexcom Stadium, attended by new Connacht signing and Energia ambassador Will Connors and Rugby for All ambassador Ronan Mitchell.

Connacht Rugby has also appointed Niamh Mitchell and Matthew Forde as its new Energia Culture Captains.

The initiative aims to increase participation in rugby among people with physical and learning differences, with the pair set to engage with Connacht players, coaches and backroom staff throughout the season.

Lorna Danaher, Sponsorship and Events Manager with Energia, said the company’s first two years with Connacht had been “brilliant”.

“We cannot wait to deepen the partnership in the coming years through our Rugby for All platform,” she said.

“We are delighted to announce Niamh and Matthew as our Energia Culture Captains for Connacht Rugby and build on our existing Rugby for All work to date across Ireland.”

As part of the collaboration with Ability West, Connacht players visited the summer camps each week, including Sean O’Brien, Shane Jennings and John Devine, who visited Camp Ability in Tuam last month.

The camps provide children with opportunities to try new activities, develop skills and friendships, and participate in an inclusive environment, while also providing parents with a week of respite.

Martin Fallon, Sponsorship Manager at Connacht Rugby, said the renewal and expansion of Rugby for All was “hugely positive news for players of all abilities here in the west”.

“With Energia’s expertise and background in this area, we are excited to see more players with additional needs get the opportunity to play across the five counties,” he said.

Julie Silke Daly, CEO of Ability West, said seeing children meet Connacht players at Camp Ability had been “memorable for all on site”.

Energia Announces Two-Year Extension Of Its Partnership With Connacht Rugby, Dexcom Stadium, Galway. ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

The closing event also featured a performance from The Saw Doctors’ Leo Moran, while four Galway LGFA players attended to meet participants, parents and volunteers. Families were also given a behind-the-scenes tour of Dexcom Stadium.

Energia has been involved in Irish rugby since 2018 and launched Rugby for All with Leinster Rugby in 2023. It also partners with the Energia All-Ireland League and the IRFU.

Photo: Connacht Rugby Culture Captain Niamh Mitchell, Content Creator Ronan Mitchell, Connacht Rugby Energia Ambassador Will Connors and Connacht Rugby Culture Captain Matthew Forde. ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo