New sponsor.

Premiership Rugby are closing to signing a new long-term sponsorship deal with global insurance brokers Gallagher, according to a report today by the BBC.

Illinois-based Arthur J. Gallagher & Co are set to replace Aviva, who have sponsored the domestic game’s top flight since 2010. The multi-million pound deal will come as a huge financial boost, and will also double up and strengthen Premiership rugby’s footprint in the USA.

Premiership Rugby have yet to confirm the deal, but BBC sources have indicated it is a sign of the growing reach and appeal of the English club game.

“Premiership Rugby is at an advanced stage of confirming our title partner for the start of the 2018-19 season,” a spokesman told the BBC.

“We can’t comment on the names of any companies who are part of this process.”

It doesn’t quite have the same ring to it as the “Aviva Premiership”, but it’s perhaps time to start getting ready for the new and improved “Gallagher Premiership.”