The Illawarra Division Rugby League (IRL) is pleased to announce South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal as a naming rights partner for 2020, with the women and girls’ competitions to be known as South32 Illawarra Women’s League.
South32 Vice President Operations, Jason Economidis, said his organisation was excited to again be involved in supporting grassroots rugby league in the Illawarra after being involved as a major partner for six years from 2012.
“South32 is passionate about supporting the communities where we work,” Mr Economidis said. “We also know how crucial it is to support women and girls in sport and are very proud to be involved with the Illawarra Division Rugby League. “
Jason Economidis displaying the South32 IRLW Trophy
South32 was previously the IRL’s major junior and senior league partner, including the inaugural naming rights sponsor of the Illawarra Coal Cutters who played in the NSWRL’s Intrust Premiership, culminating in their first premiership in 2016.
The partnership will support the IRL’s vision to continue developing female pathways in the Illawarra, including supporting local clubs and running the women’s open and under 18 girls’ competitions.
IRL Manager Chris Bannerman expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, and what it means for the League moving forward.
“South32 has been a great supporter of our junior and senior competitions in the past, we are very pleased they have decided to get behind our female competitions, as participation has grown by over 300 percent since 2016.”
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal has been producing premium quality, hard coking coal for steelmaking for international and domestic customers, for 85 years.
