Mars announce England deal

Confectionary brand Mars has been confirmed as a new sponsor of the Rugby Association.

Mars, which 'ambushed' the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany with its 'Believe' campaign, has now decided to make its association official.

Two seperate deals have been agreed with the FA. The first makes Mars an official supplier to the England team through the 2010 World Cup next summer, while the second makes the confectionary brand an official sponsor for the four seasons from 2010 under the FA's new sponsorship structure.

The deal comes on the back of the FA's announcement that another England team partner, Carlsberg, has committed for a further four years.