Spirits are high at the North Queensland Cowboys as the 2015 Premiers celebrate the signing of a new partner – with Bundaberg Rum announcing its major sponsorship of the club in 2016.

The brand, which is a current preferred supplier of the Cowboys, has increased its level of support for the North Queensland Cowboys. Bundaberg Rum is well known for its community spirit in Queensland and sees the major sponsorship of the club as another way to support the team and their fans.

Jodi McLeod, Bundaberg Rum marketing manager, said: “As a proud Queensland brand, we’re delighted to show our continued and increased support for a great community team and their fans. 2015 was an incredible year in the clubs 21-year history and a fantastic year to be part of the Cowboys story.

“We are excited to kick-off 2016 as a major sponsor of the club having already hosted the team for their first pre-season match of year in Bundaberg – and we look forward to being there every step of the way as they attempt to make history by being one of the first teams to follow their maiden victory with a second title.”

As part of the agreement, Bundaberg Rum will continue to be poured at the 1300SMILES Stadium, along with having an increased presence around the stadium. League fans visiting the stadium will also be able to enjoy their favourite tipple in the comfort of a new onsite bar – The Bundy Bar.

Greg Tonner, chief executive officer of the Cowboys, said of the sponsorship: “We’re both proud to have a sponsor with such a long and distinguished heritage supporting Queensland’s communities come on board as a major sponsor. We welcome Bundaberg Rum’s increased role and involvement with the North Queensland Cowboys and look forward to our fans cheering on the team from the comfort of The Bundy Bar.”

The sponsorship announcement follows the brand recently unveiling a commemorative Cowboys bottle in celebration of the 2015 premiership win. The 700ml bottle features Bundy’s famous U.P. Rum and a bespoke Cowboys championship label on the front.

Bundaberg Rum was also a major partner of the pre-season trial game between the Cowboys and Broncos that took place recently in Bundaberg. The game was a huge coup for the local community and was one of the biggest in the town’s history with over 8,000 tickets sold, giving the town a great financial injection as thousands of fans flocked to Bundaberg.