Thatchers to feature on Cornish Pirates shirts until 2031

If you have ever watched a giant inflatable apple roll across the Mennaye Field at half time, you have already met one of the Cornish Pirates’ longest-serving partners. Thatchers Cider has signed a new long-term deal with the club that runs until 2031, keeping the West Country cider maker on as Official Cider and Premier Partner for the next five seasons.

The agreement extends a relationship that started back in 2018. For the first time, the Thatchers logo will now appear on the back of the club’s home and away match jerseys, as well as the replica shirts fans can buy.

More Thatchers around Mennaye Field

The new deal increases the brand’s presence around the ground on match days. Thatchers stays as the only cider sold at the stadium, with Gold, Haze, Blood Orange and Apple and Blackcurrant on the bar, along with the hospitality marquee. Fans will also see the familiar yellow Thatchers post protectors and pitch-side advertising boards.

And the half-time inflatable apple, a favourite with the crowd, is staying too.

A Cornish Pirates player will again be sponsored by Thatchers, with that announcement due shortly.

Thatchers Try of the Match

New for this season, the club will name a Thatchers Try of the Match after every home fixture, followed by a Try of the Month vote online. The winning player collects a case of Thatchers Gold, described by the company as the West Country’s most popular pint.

What the club and the cider maker said

Cornish Pirates Head of Commercial Ross Hancock said Thatchers had backed the club for the best part of a decade. “With their presence increasing in rugby all the time, we are delighted to play a big part in that and we can’t wait to proudly display their name on our jerseys every time we take to the field,” he said.

Martin Thatcher, the fourth-generation cider maker behind the brand, pointed to shared values between the family business and the club. “Cornish Pirates are a fantastic ambassador for Cornwall and for rugby across the region, and we look forward to welcoming supporters with a pint of Thatchers Gold as the new season gets underway,” he said.