Mobile phone group 02 has become the official new sponsor of the Ireland national rugby team.

The deal, with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), began on 31 May and will run for six years, until the conclusion of the 2011-12 season.

Under the new sponsorship terms, 02 has the rights to place its logo on all Ireland senior international and international A team playing and training kit and team-related merchandise.

The deal will also give 02 key advertising hoarding sites surrounding the pitch at home matches.

The IRFU agreement is the latest in a series of sport-related sponsorships for O2, which also include Formula One’s BMW Sauber team, English Premiership football club Arsenal and the England rugby union team. Details: www.irishrugby.ie