The Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has entered a new partnership with the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU), marking a return to a relationship that dates back several decades. This three-year agreement will see BOQ's logo featured on the sleeve of the Queensland Reds' playing jerseys for both the men's and women's teams.

The partnership aims to foster community engagement across Queensland, with BOQ set to donate rugby balls to junior players and clubs affected by recent weather events. BOQ has a history of supporting the Queensland Reds, having been a major sponsor in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. The bank's logo was prominently displayed on the Reds' jerseys from 1997 to 1999 and took the front position from 2000 to 2005.

QRU Chief Executive Officer David Hanham said: "Two longstanding Queensland businesses are coming back together." He added, "We share similar values with the importance of connecting to communities across Queensland, which is really important... When I started at the QRU more than two decades ago, Bank of Queensland was backing the Reds as a major sponsor.

"The appreciation for the support of Queensland rugby runs deep. I have people say to me they started banking with BOQ because of that partnership and here we are reconnecting strongly again."

BOQ Group Executive Retail Banking, Greg Boyle, said: "We are thrilled to reignite our partnership with QRU as the official sponsor of the Queensland Reds for the next three years... This sponsorship highlights our shared values. Both BOQ and QRU share a long and proud history in Queensland, along with an unwavering connection to local communities across our home state.

"BOQ has been here for Queenslanders for 150 years and is committed to strengthening Queensland in the years to come...Our partnership with QRU will bring us closer to Queensland communities, from grassroots to professional level. To begin with, BOQ will be donating rugby balls to Queensland junior players and clubs impacted by the recent weather events."

"By supporting both the men's and women's teams, we also aim to promote inclusivity and the spirit of rugby throughout Queensland," said Boyle.

BOQ's sponsorship is managed by its Group's Sponsorship Agency, Banter, alongside the bank's in-house marketing team.