New zealand super rugby pacific teams est to benefit from new sponsorship deal
The Gallagher Chiefs are proud to join New Zealand’s five Super Rugby Pacific clubs in celebrating a landmark new sponsorship agreement with leading digital asset platform Swyftx.
The partnership will see Swyftx – which earlier this year acquired New Zealand’s largest crypto exchange, Easy Crypto – become an official partner of the Crusaders, Highlanders, Gallagher Chiefs, Hurricanes, and Blues.
The announcement follows Swyftx’s recent multi-year partnership with the One NZ Warriors, marking New Zealand’s first cryptocurrency sponsorship of a professional sports team and underlining the company’s ambition to build a multi-code presence across both rugby league and rugby union.
A parallel agreement with Rugby Australia will see Swyftx become the official naming rights sponsor of both the Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s competitions in Australia until the end of 2027 – the first time globally that a rugby union competition has been sponsored by a cryptocurrency exchange.
Swyftx CEO Jason Titman says the agreement cements the company’s ambition to grow both competitions and marks a major step in its trans-Tasman strategy.
“Super Rugby Pacific is one of the great club competitions and rugby union is one of the great global sports. To be the first exchange globally to sponsor teams at this level is a huge milestone. We’re delighted to support rugby’s growth as we approach the 2027 World Cup. This partnership is part of our broader strategy to connect with fans across both New Zealand and Australia.
Sport provides us with a direct way to connect with millions of people. This partnership says very clearly that Swyftx is here and we’re supporting New Zealanders to securely embrace new technology,” he says.
Speaking on behalf of the NZ Super Rugby Clubs, Highlanders CEO Roger Clark says the world-first partnership highlights rugby’s ability to attract new categories of commercial partners.
“This is an exciting development for New Zealand Super Rugby Clubs Limited and for our Super Rugby Clubs in New Zealand – the Blues, Gallagher Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders. Partnerships like this are critical for keeping the game strong, sustainable and accessible to fans.”
Swyftx New Zealand Country Manager Paul Quickenden says the sponsorship represents a defining moment for both rugby and the country’s digital economy.
He says the partnership provides extensive branding and engagement opportunities across all five Super Rugby Pacific franchises, including LED stadium signage, digital campaigns, and access to marquee players for promotional content.
“Rugby is part of New Zealand’s DNA, and this partnership gives us a platform to invest directly in the game’s future. It’s about supporting a sport that unites communities while introducing more Kiwis to the opportunities that come with embracing digital innovation.”
In New Zealand, crypto adoption currently sits between 9 and 14 percent – behind Australia, where around one in five adults are investors and overall uptake is between 20 and 25 percent. Quickenden says their goal is to grow participation rates in New Zealand by pairing digital innovation with sporting partnerships that make games more financially accessible and engaging for fans.
Swyftx has invested tens of millions of dollars into codes including the NRL, AFL and cricket, and the Gallagher Chiefs are proud to be part of this world-first partnership helping strengthen the future of Super Rugby across Aotearoa.
