With the long-term partnership and the relationship Dragons Rugby have formed with their Headline Partner, Monmouthshire Building Society (MBS), MBS' 150th Anniversary celebrations in 2019 were something that the region wanted to take the opportunity to recognise.
In conduction with Dragons’ partners at VX3 and Lovell Rugby, a third kit was designed and produced, as a surprise for the team at MBS.
With MBS turning 150-years-old, this incredible milestone is reflected with the adoption of their bold orange colours in a striking playing kit, recognising the history of a business that was founded in Newport in 1869.
First team stars Richard Hibbard, Harrison Keddie and Max Williams showcased this new kit with a public launch event, when they made a special visit to MBS’ Head Office in Newport‘s John Frost Square.
The players modelled the new kit as well as surprising staff, customers and shoppers in Newport with kit giveaways, as they signed autographs and posed for photos.
Dragons’ Head of Commercial Jonathan Westwood commented: “We were delighted to team up with MBS to launch a special limited edition kit, and to wear their recognisable colours as we helped celebrate their 150th anniversary.
“The team at MBS have been hugely supportive of us all at Dragons, through the first three years of our re-brand and development, and is was very important for us to take this opportunity to recognise this support, with a small but powerful message of partnership."
MBS was the idea and vision of three local businessmen in 1869, that has transformed into a modern and dynamic mutual building society with over £1 billion pounds in assets.
The foundations first laid in 1869 have enabled the society to support the people and communities in which it is based and seen Newport grow from a population of 26,000 people and 3,900 properties to its present size.
CEO at MBS, Will Carroll, said: “We have a fantastic relationship with the Dragons, and it has been incredible to work together on developing this celebration kit which marked our 150th birthday.
"It was a lovely surprise to see our brand recognised in such a public way, and I hope our loyal members, many of whom are Dragons supporters liked the eye-catching jersey and wear it with pride.
"It’s been fantastic seeing the kit on the field this season, and being wore by supporters around Gwent”
This third kit also carries the logo of Shelter Cymru, selected as a charity in partnership with Monmouthshire Building Society, and with the help of their staff and members, the charity will receive support this season through Dragons Rugby, MBS branches, and a number of community outreach projects.
The team at MBS have been hugely supportive of us all at Dragons... it was very important for us to take this opportunity to recognise this support...
