Rugby Australia has finalised a multi-year commercial agreement with Melbourne distillery Starward Whisky.
Under the agreement, the spirits manufacturer will serve as the official whisky partner for the governing body, as well as for the national men’s and women’s rugby union teams, the Wallabies and the Wallaroos.
The collaboration integrates the beverage brand into the hospitality services, stadium branding, and digital media assets operated by Rugby Australia during domestic test matches.
This agreement represents the first time the Melbourne-based distillery has aligned itself with a national sporting federation.
According to corporate statements, the arrangement coincides with a projected increase in domestic and international viewer attendance for upcoming rugby events in Australia.
For Starward, the sports sponsorship aligns with an ongoing corporate strategy to increase domestic market penetration and build brand familiarity among sporting crowds.
For Rugby Australia, the deal expands its existing portfolio of commercial beverage suppliers.
Founded in Melbourne, Starward focuses on producing Australian single malt whiskies aged in local wine barrels, distributing its product line domestically and to select international retail markets.
“The Wallabies and Wallaroos are building toward exactly that moment: Australia on home soil in 2027 and 2029, showing the world what we’re made of.” said Phil Waugh, Rugby Australia CEO.