Ireland name new sponsor

Ireland have announced that RSA, formerly known as Royal & SunAlliance Insurance, will be their new sponsor for the 2008 season.

Currently the deal is only for the one season, but discussions will be held to extend the agreement for a longer term. The sponsorship covers the men's and women's senior squads, as well as the men's A team and Under-19 side.

Cricket Ireland have been searching for a new sponsor since Bank of Ireland ended a long-term association last year. Warren Deutrom, the chief executive, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with such a globally recognised blue-chip brand as RSA. Our current arrangement is just for the year, although we are hopeful of extending our relationship further into the future."

"Together with our new name, our new governance structure and recent agreements with the England and Wales Cricket Board and our kit supplier Kukri, this new partnership with RSA will assist Cricket Ireland to put the pieces in place to provide support to all areas of the game on our shores, from the grassroots to the international arena."

Ireland begin their season on Sunday with a Friends Provident Trophy match against Ireland against Nottinghamshire in Dublin.