THE thought of an 18st, 6ft prop – say a Harlequins’ Joe Marler – struggling to get into a MINI is not something to dwell on for too long. If at all.
But that’s what’s open to all rugby players now, not just props you understand, following an agreement with BMW-VIP Sales and the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) – the representative body of professional rugby union players in England – as BMW/MINI becomes the Official Car Supplier to the RPA.
For the boys I support – Harlequins RFU – this might be slightly difficult. At least for the top players, as Alfa Romeo is the club’s official supplier. Mind you, that hasn’t stopped academy player Ollie Lyndsay-Hague from getting himself a MINI earlier in the year – if I recall his tweet on Twitter correctly. Bet he’s kicking himself now, mind.
That’s because the BMW-VIP Sales deal with RPA members offers preferential rates on BMW and MINI models.
“RPA members will receive preferential personal leasing and purchase rates, if they do operate as a limited company then they can run the car through the business on a preferential contract hire rate,” Dominic O’Rourke, business development manager at BMW’s International & Specialist Sales Division explained to me.
“We need to expand our affinity schemes beyond the Formula 1 and PGA golf communities where they’ve been successful, it’s just important to find the right group – and rugby is one of them. So far the offer has been very well received. We have a couple of MINI orders already.”
It seems that Dominic is set to see plenty more rugby players this season – and not just those who want a BMW or a MINI via the RPA. Dominic’s signed up for the Harlequins Executive Box for next season. Top man. It will be a great season’s rugby!
