Research In Motion has announced its official backing for Australian Rugby Union, signing on as partner of the Wallabies.

The deal will allow the team and fans of the Qantas Wallabies to keep abreast of the game and fixtures using applications including BlackBerry Messenger and BlackBerry Chalk, as well as other mobile communication tools.

As part of the deal, all Wallabies’ players and coaches will receive BlackBerry phones to ensure they stay connected in a World Cup Year, while fans will benefit from a newly developed fan application.

Adele Beachley, Managing Director for RIM, Australia, said: “Our aim is to help the Wallabies enhance their use of technology and to take the team digital, using the range of BlackBerry platforms and devices.” 

“RIM’s partnership with the Wallabies and ARU is a fantastic opportunity to support a world class team and an Australian sport which is played and loved by many across the nation.”

“We believe that this partnership has great synergy, and both RIM and ARU will work together to use existing applications like BlackBerry Messenger and BlackBerry Chalk plus develop mobile communication tools and applications for fans, players and management.

ARU Managing Director and CEO, John O’Neill said he was pleased to welcome RIM on board in what was going to be a huge year for Rugby.

“This is the year that Rugby makes its move on the National and International sporting stage with a new expanded Super Rugby competition, the highly anticipated Tri Nations and the Rugby World Cup,” O’Neill said.

“To have RIM on-board to help take the Qantas Wallabies and the game to our fans on the digital level is fantastic.

“Our partnership with RIM will help the team stay in touch with family and help keep our fans up to date while we are on the road.”