At an event in The Front Lounge in Dublin hosted by Paddy Power and MC’d by Barry Murphy of ‘Apres Match’, Paddy Power expressed his delight with the partnership: “It’s a real honour to associate ourselves with what will be the biggest sports event to be held in Ireland next year. It is also the biggest ever commercial sponsorship of an Irish gay-focussed event and we are really looking forward to working with the lads to ensure that the 2008 Bingham will be biggest and most successful yet”

Commenting on the sponsorship, Richie Whyte, Tournament Director said: “Paddy Power have an innovative and risk taking approach to the market. We are delighted that they see the Bingham Cup as a good fit for them both in terms of its sporting potential and public profile. The Bingham Cup Dublin will be both the largest amateur XVs rugby tournament held in the country in 15 years and the biggest international gay-oriented event ever held in Ireland. Having an international brand such as such as Paddy Power throwing their weight behind it represents a huge development for the tournament particularly in terms of developing mainstream interest. We expect our partnership to enhance an already great tournament and help to make it the biggest and best tournament yet."

The Bingham Cup is the second largest biennial amateur 15s rugby tournament in the world. The 2006 cup which took place in New York was the biggest yet. Thirty teams drawn from clubs around the world competed in the three day tournament. The Dublin tournament is expected to exceed these figures with over 600 participants already registered for the competition.

Chief Executive of The Irish Rugby Football Union, Philip Browne said:  "The IRFU are delighted to be associated with the Emerald Warriors in hosting the Bingham Cup, which is fast becoming one of the largest international amateur 15-a-side rugby tournaments in the world. The Tournament Director and Organising Committee are to be congratulated on bringing this tournament to Ireland and also on securing an international brand, Paddy Power, as the title sponsor for the tournament. Given the professional manner in which they have approached the Tournament to date, the event is sure to be a big success."

The competition will take place at the DCU Sports Complex, Dublin in June 12th – 15th 2008.