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he Melbourne Storm have announced a five-year partnership with Castore, with the UK sportswear brand set to become the NRL club’s new apparel partner.

The deal is set to run until the end of the 2025 NRL season, with Melbourne Storm’s new Castore products set to be introduced in late January before the start of the 2021 season.

Castore head of team partnerships, Pascal Lafitte, said the UK brand has identified Australia as a key market in its international development targets.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Melbourne Storm, the reigning champions of the NRL,” Lafitte said.

“Australia is a key market for us and 2021 will be an exciting year in Castore’s journey to become an internationally recognised brand.

“Storm have been one of the most successful sports franchises on the continent in recent years and this partnership aligns perfectly with our strategy as a premium sportswear brand.

“The kit also demonstrates Castore’s desire to be different with audacious designs, and we are confident fans will welcome our creativity when it hits the shelves,” he said.

Melbourne Storm chief commercial officer, Nick Haslam, said he is excited to welcome this new partnership with Castore.

“It’s great to have a brand like Castore show faith in our club by partnering with us for five years,” Haslam said.

“We are excited about the new and fresh approach Castore is taking to our apparel and the jersey our team runs out in for the seasons ahead.

“We think our members and fans will love the designs and apparel line we will have available as well,” he said.

The deal follows Castore’s entry into the Australian sport sponsorship market with a similar five-year partnership with the Sydney Roosters.

The partnership follows the Melbourne Storm also extending their major partnership with Suzuki for another two years, proving their worth as an Australian club confirming two lucrative deals following the recent departure of the club’s CEO, Dave Donaghy.