Under the new exclusive agreement, which was formally announced at the Sportground in Galway today, Yakult will provide product support to the Connacht players and management.

The partnership between Yakult and Connacht is the first sports partnership that Yakult has undertaken in Ireland, although globally since July 2005, Yakult has been an official partner of the FINA World Championships and the FINA World Swimming Championships.

"The popularity of rugby is going from strength to strength, and we are delighted to be part of a grass-roots organisation such as Connacht Rugby," said Michael Buckley, marketing manager for Yakult Ireland.

"Yakult Ireland is delighted to associate its well established brand with such a progressive sport and specifically with the Connacht Rugby squad.

"Our partnership allows us to educate people on the benefits of good gut health and strengthening the body's natural defences, as we will be able to take our product out into community and promote its consumption as part of a healthy active lifestyle."

Speaking on behalf of Connacht Rugby, Commercial and Marketing Manager Fiona Keys stated "We are very happy to be working with Yakult. This is an innovative brand who invest considerable resources in health and well-being and looking at improving the health of Irish people.

"We feel confident that this relationship will help take both ourselves and Yakult to new levels in the forthcoming season."

Yakult has been operating in Ireland for five years, proving itself to be a popular choice in the increasingly growing, health conscious market.

The product is scientifically proven to aid digestion and improve overall health.

Yakult would like to wish Connacht Rugby continued success in all domestic, national and international competitions for the coming year.