MANCHESTER lawyers Addleshaw Booth and Co pulled out all the stops to finalise Guinness’ sponsorship of the rugby league Test series between Great Britain and World Champions Australia.

The deal, worth more than £100,000 and handled by AB’s sport unit, also sees Guinness become the new sponsor of the Great Britain team.

It is the first involvement Guinness has had with the sport and the sponsorship agreement was drawn up in just four working days.

Robert Stoker, head of the sport, media and entertainment unit, said: ‘‘It was only because of our extensive experience in sports sponsorship agreements that we were able to act so quickly and conclude a quite complex agreement in such a short time.’’

Security fears following the terrorist attacks in the US had initially put the Australian tour in doubt. Mr Stoker, who was assisted by solicitor Lucy Allison, took the first call from the Rugby Football League confirming the requirement for a sponsorship agreement with Guinness on Friday, October 19. The agreement was concluded four working days later.

The three-match Test series began on November 11 at the McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield with the other games taking place on November 17 at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton, and November 24 at the JJB Stadium, Wigan.

Addleshaws - official lawyer to the 2002 Commonwealth Games - has advised the Rugby Football League for three years. Mr Stoker has previously advised the Rugby League on the broadcasting rights contract which covers the Test series with Sky TV.

This latest sports sponsorship deal confirms the growing reputation of the sport unit which has previously advised on aspects of the Olympic Games, Olympic bids and the FIFA World Cup, among others.

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