Brewers Greene King have renewed their partnership with Premiership Champions Saracens ahead of the 2018/19 rugby season, with Greene King IPA becoming the official beer of Saracens Rugby.

East Anglian Daily Times: Saracens' Liam Williams gets past London Irish's Greig Tonks during the Aviva Premiership match at the Madejski Stadium, ReadingSaracens' Liam Williams gets past London Irish's Greig Tonks during the Aviva Premiership match at the Madejski Stadium, Reading (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The partnership, which was established in 2013, has been extended for a further five years and means that fans visiting Allianz Park can enjoy a pint or two of the U cask beer whilst watching their team in action.

As part of the agreement Greene King IPA and East Coast IPA will be available in all Allianz Park bars, while the partnership will also see Greene King install a new bar at the ground serving a selection of its Craft Academy beers, such as Over Easy, developed by its apprentice brewers.

To celebrate the new contract Saracens players Jamie George, Richard Barrington and Dominic Day visited Greene King brewery in Bury St Edmunds, surprising visitors on the regular brewery tour.

The players learnt about the brewing process before getting behind the bar to serve a few customers at the brewery’s tap bar.

Tim Hunt, CEO of Premier Team Promotions Ltd, the joint venture now overseeing Saracens’ commercial operations said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Greene King. After working with Greene King for the last five years it is evidence of a successful partnership that the relationship has been extended for another five years. I look forward to the launch of the Craft Academy Bar at the first home game of the season and continuing to work with Greene King to improve the matchday experience for our supporters.”

Matt Starbuck managing director, Greene King Brewing & Brands said: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Saracens and for Greene King IPA to become the official beer. Together we hold similar values, to be the very best at what we do. The partnership approach with Saracens centres around delivering the best beer range and developing a customer engagement programme including experiential activity and competitions to enhance the fans’ experience.”