BASINGSTOKE RFC's two major backers are renewing their vital support in sponsorship deals that will deliver a substantial five-figure financial boost to the club.

The B J Champion group of companies, and FX Management Services, this week announced their continued commitment to 'Stoke.

The two local successful businesses - respectively based at Champion House, Daneshill, and Lutyens Industrial Centre, Chineham - are now 'Stoke's main co-sponsors.

B J Champion, sponsors at Down Grange for the past two years, have increased their level of involvement to become a main club sponsor. And in addition to their support of the first team, they are also investing in the club's community development programme.

Barry Champion, founder and managing director of B J Champion, said: "I'm delighted we've been able to extend our association with the club and up our commitment for the third successive season.

"I'm very pleased to have done it on behalf of the company and the club. We've enjoyed coming down here over the last couple of seasons - the atmosphere is always good."

Mr Champion added he had been impressed in his meetings with Jim Dixon - 'Stoke's new first team coach and community development manager - when the pair discussed potential sponsorship.

They also talked about Dixon's proposals for 'Stoke and the future direction as a club - and particularly the community development programme.

Mr Champion said: "This coming season looks far more organised and professional, and we're proud to be associated with a club set up in this way.

"I am sure the whole club will be lifted by Jim's elevation to first team coach. He has already made a huge difference to the grass-roots base with his community development programme.

"Our support of that programme, along with Sportsmatch and Tenon, will enable the club to get young people playing rugby and will hopefully continue the recent success of the academy squad."

In extending its relationship with 'Stoke, which goes back three years, FX Management Services has agreed to commit cash, plus the provision of playing and training kit, to sponsoring the first team.

Stuart Gordon, FX managing director, said: "We wanted to continue our links with local rugby, and the plan we've committed to will, I believe, benefit the club on and off the field."

Mr Gordon said: "Basingstoke have shown they are now not over-reliant on one sponsor. Last year, after our time as main sponsor ended, that was something we wanted to see before we committed again.

"It's good that other local companies, like Barry's, are willing to invest and support the club."

Basingstoke RFC chairman Dr Steve Tristram said: "We are jolly pleased to have tied up these deals so early. Having two main sponsors for the first time in our history underlines the excellent work being done on that side of the club."

Dixon has held meetings with both sponsors over the past six weeks to secure the deals.

He said: "Like I did when I went for the senior position, I outlined my proposals to take the club forward and our talks went very well.

"I've got to know both Barry and Stuart over the past few months and they are both very passionate about their club and supporting it.

"This is a massive boost for the club and I'm very glad they are back on board."

Speaking about the amount invested, Basingstoke RFC chairman of marketing Ian Squires said: "It's a good five-figure sum."

Another exciting development for FX is that their logistics contract with the RFU has been renewed for another three years.

And FX are now the official shirt sponsors of the England under-21 team, participating in the rugby world cup taking place in Scotland this month.

Mr Gordon said: "We're very proud to be England under-21 sponsors, and there are links with Basingstoke because Tom Rees is an ex-player, and 'Stoke's ex-coach Nigel Redman coaches the forwards."

'Stoke's new jerseys for the upcoming London division one campaign - which begins on September 4 against Old Colfeians at Down Grange - will feature both co-sponsors' names.