NICK EASTER NAMED QBE AMBASSADOR

England and Harlequins star Nick Easter was today officially unveiled as brand ambassador for QBE, the specialist in business insurance and Official Partner of England Rugby.

The announcement was made at QBE European Operations’ head office in the City of London, where Easter met employees, brokers and clients. He discussed his thoughts on the new Premiership Rugby season, this year’s Autumn Internationals and some of the insurer’s upcoming rugby initiatives.

QBE’s partnership with Easter begins immediately and runs until December 2011. Easter’s appointment is part of QBE’s continuing awareness and business development drive through its rugby sponsorships at both elite and grassroots levels.  The partnership will see the dynamic Number 8 become the face of QBE’s rugby activity and attend key industry events.

Nick Easter said: “I’m delighted to be an ambassador for QBE.  They have enjoyed a successful first season in the sport and have some exciting plans for the future to help promote the game. Their support is crucial for the development of rugby at all levels, from the elite, through to grassroots and their continued support of the RFU’s President’s XV awards. I look forward to working with them over the next 18 months.”

Steven Burns, CEO QBE European Operations, commented:  “Nick was a great choice to represent QBE’s rugby sponsorship.  Not only is he a superb rugby player and a great leader but he also shares many of QBE’s values, making him the ideal figurehead for us.  His career has crossed several disciplines and he has been involved in rugby through its transition from amateur to professional.  We welcome Nick to the QBE team and wish him luck for the season ahead.”

A relative latecomer to professional rugby, Easter started a more conventional career as a teacher after being educated at Dulwich College and Nottingham Trent University.  He also had brief stint as an investment banker before signing for Harlequins in 2004.  A Six Nations stalwart having started every Championship game in 2009, Easter is a mainstay of English Rugby and was an influential force in England’s World Cup team in 2007. The Number 8 is also a key man for Quins, having won Player of the Year in two consecutive seasons.