Andrew Mullins, Marketing Director of Times Newspapers Limited, is excited about furthering the newspaper’s involvement with rugby union. “This deal is a great opportunity for us to further demonstrate our commitment to sport - in particular rugby union. The Sunday Times is proud to have formed this strong association with rugby union and we look forward to enhancing its profile as one of the nation’s favourite sports,” he said.

Paul Vaughan, RFU Commercial Director said, “The Sunday Times is the cornerstone of many rugby supporters’ reading. This partnership will enhance rugby’s relationship with those readers and reinforce the fact that The Sunday Times is ‘The Sunday Papers’”.

As part of the new deal, The Sunday Times launched the Official Fantasy Game of England Rugby in its new 32-page Sports section on September 8th. Taking part via the game’s website, www.timesfantasyrugby.co.uk, readers have the opportunity to use their knowledge of rugby union to win weekly and monthly prizes including trips for two each month to the World Cup in Sydney and a 2003 Land Rover Discovery for the overall champion.