Old and new Irish international rugby stars, including Willie John McBride, Mick Galwey and Jeremy Davidson, turned out to witness the signing of the official contract this week at the Old Bushmills Distillery in Antrim.
Padraig Power, commercial and marketing director for the Irish Rugby Football Union, said: "We are delighted to have Bushmills on board as the spirit of Irish rugby. It is a brand that shares very similar values to the Irish rugby brand, such as passion, experience and commitment to excellence."
Pamela Selby, Bushmills brand manager, said: "One of the main reasons Bushmills Irish Whiskey has continued to grow and prosper is the passion and dedication of its people to create one of the finest whiskeys in the world. We wanted to encapsulate this in a sponsorship that celebrated one of Ireland's finest products, built on the experience, dedication and passion of its people, and in the Irish rugby team we have a perfect partnership."
The IRFU official beer sponsor is Guinness and the official soft drink is Coca-Cola, while O2 is the official shirt sponsor.
Ireland take on South Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islands over the next three weeks in the autumn internationals.
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