O2 Ireland, Official Mobile Communications Supplier to the IRFU, formally announced its sponsorship of the Ireland Schools Rugby Team at a ceremony on the pitch at half time of Saturday's international.

The announcement was made by Danuta Gray, Chief Executive Officer, O2 Ireland, with IRFU President John Quilligan and Caleb Powell, Chairman, Schools Sub Committee, IRFU in attendance.

The O2 Ireland Schools Rugby Team will play Wales at Donnybrook on Saturday week, April 3rd (kick off 6 pm) and also England and France away on April 9th and 17th.

The O2 Irish Schools sponsorship will cover the next three seasons and will also include a country wide O2 rugby summer camp for boys and girls, details of which will be announced later.

Ms. Catherine Tiernan, Head of Sponsorship, O2 Ireland said, O2 is delighted to augment our support of Irish rugby by adding the Irish Schools Team to our sponsorship portfolio. These are very exciting times in the game and it is important that the age group at schools level be given every encouragement as we all look to further enhance the future prospects of Irish rugby.

O2 Ireland is a proud and longstanding supporter of Irish rugby at international, provincial and club levels. As well as being the Official Mobile Communications Supplier to the IRFU, O2 is an Official Associate Sponsor of European Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-finalists, Connacht. O2 is also the main sponsor of Shannon Rugby's Senior Team and is an Official Associate Sponsor to Irish team coach Eddie O'Sullivan, Irish team captain Brian O'Driscoll and the former Irish international star, Mick Galwey.