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A Wealth of Support for Smiths Rugby as JM Finn Sponsors Historic 75th Anniversary Season

Sep 23
3 min read

Smiths Rugby has secured another major investment in its future, announcing leading wealth management firm JM Finn as the club's new principal shirt sponsor ahead of its landmark 75th Anniversary season.


Richard Markey (Smiths Rugby Commercial Lead), Ian Posgate (Investment Director at JM Finn), John Bryant (Smiths Rugby Club Captain) & Dave Cole (Smiths Rugby Mini & Juniors Chairman) sealing the partnership with a hand shake in front of the grandstand at the Prince of Wales Stadium in Cheltenham.
Richard Markey (Smiths Rugby Commercial Lead), Ian Posgate (Investment Director at JM Finn), John Bryant (Smiths Rugby Club Captain) & Dave Cole (Smiths Rugby Mini & Juniors Chairman) sealing the partnership with a hand shake in front of the grandstand at the Prince of Wales Stadium in Cheltenham.

The partnership sees JM Finn's branding take pride of place on the front of the club's brand-new home shirt, a special edition design created to celebrate 75 years of Smiths Rugby. The commemorative jersey pays tribute to the club's rich heritage by drawing inspiration from one of Smiths' iconic shirts from the 1990s, giving supporters a nostalgic nod to the past while looking confidently towards the future.

Smiths Rugby Home Shirt for 2026-27 Season
Smiths Rugby Home Shirt for 2026-27 Season.

The announcement comes at an exciting time for both organisations.


For JM Finn, the partnership marks another significant milestone following the recent opening of its Cheltenham office, reinforcing the firm's long-term commitment to Gloucestershire and its client-first approach to delivering personalised wealth management and investment advice across the region.


For Smiths Rugby, the partnership follows one of the most successful periods in the club's history. After reaching back-to-back RFU Community Cup finals at Twickenham, Smiths were crowned RFU Community Cup Counties 2 Champions, producing a superb seven-try display to defeat St Mary's Old Boys 49-19 at the home of English rugby. The victory marked another major milestone in the club's remarkable rise, adding a national title to an impressive recent record that has seen Smiths win three league championships in the last five seasons, as well as lifting both the Senior and Junior Cheltenham Combination Cups.


Founded in 1952, Smiths Rugby has evolved from its roots as a works team into a thriving community club, welcoming players of all abilities while maintaining a strong focus on success on the pitch, player development and creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment.


Speaking about the new partnership, Stuart Cole, Chairman at Smiths Rugby, said:

"We're delighted to welcome JM Finn to the Smiths Rugby family as our new main shirt sponsor. To have such a respected business support us during our 75th Anniversary season makes this partnership even more special.”

John Bryant, Club Captain at Smiths Rugby, said:

"This shirt represents everything our club stands for. It celebrates our history by bringing back elements of a classic Smiths design from the 1990s, while also recognising how far we've come in recent years. After the success we've enjoyed on the pitch, including winning a national title at Twickenham, it's an exciting time for everyone connected with the club, and we're thrilled that JM Finn will be part of the next chapter."

Ian Posgate, Investment Director at JM Finn added:

"Opening our Cheltenham office was about becoming part of the local community, and partnering with Smiths Rugby was a natural fit. The club has a fantastic story, strong values and real ambition, while remaining deeply rooted in the community. We are proud to support the club during this landmark anniversary season and look forward to sharing in its continued success."

The new anniversary shirt combines classic styling with a modern performance fit and will be worn throughout the 2026/27 season as the club celebrates 75 years of rugby in Cheltenham.


Supporters have the opportunity to purchase the limited-edition anniversary shirt ahead of the new campaign.


For more information, visit: www.smithsrugby.co.uk

 
 
 

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