TAUNTON Rugby Club has unveiled British Gas as their new title sponsor for a multi-year partnership.

The National League One rugby club finished 8th place out of 15 last season, highlighting their ability to hold their own in the competition.

According to the club, neither party is viewing it merely as a handover of funds in return for having the logo on the shirts.

Taunton’s commercial co-ordinator, Nick Mason said: “British Gas will be a visible presence here on match days, you’ll see them here during the week having their conferences and training sessions and you’ll see them out in the community.

"We’re lining up initiatives that the British Gas and the Titans will head up together.”

According to British Gas, this partnership is not just to increase its customer base in Somerset.

James Kew, area customer delivery manager told Tauntonrfc.co.uk: “It’s not about getting our brand name out there. Everyone knows British Gas. Part of this is a recruitment drive. Our engineers live in the communities that we serve.

"So we’ve got a vested interest in looking after their communities because they’re also our communities. We’re looking to employ local people that live in the South-West to serve our loyal customers in the region.”

British Gas will be displayed around Veritas Park but will also be using the conferencing facilities at the ground for training and professional development of its staff.

“Our engineers have training on safety updates. With the club’s location, plenty of parking, first-rate conferencing suites and great catering in-house, this is the perfect place to get our colleagues together," Kew said.

On match days there will be British Gas engineers present not to sign up new customers but to run ‘Energy Surgeries’