The four-year strategic partnership will see Rhino supply the University’s recreational squads with premium netballs and premium rugby balls to be used in both training and competitive matches. 
 
This includes all BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) teams which also covers the prestigious Super Rugby initiative. 
 
Rhino will also deliver expert maintenance work on Loughborough’s provided sport equipment, including its scrum machines, hit pads, tackle bags, and additional training accessories. 
 
As the partnership develops, colleagues will also work towards a match funded PhD, with the potential to investigate mouthguards, headguards, and body protection across sport performance.
 
Loughborough and Rhino will work collaboratively on new product development and innovation standpoints. This area will focus on female specific supportive products such as body armour as currently female players largely have to work with male designed products. 
 
Rich Ellis, Head of Commercial Partnerships and Sports Facilities, said: “At Loughborough University we are determined to stay at the forefront of sport in the higher education sector. 
 
“Partnerships such as this with Rhino allow us to continue to lead the way, providing the very best sport equipment for our talented student athletes. We’re all looking forward to a long and fruitful agreement with one of the world's most premium sport suppliers.”
 
Dave Reynish, Managing Director at Rhino, said: “Loughborough is at the very top when it comes to sporting universities, making the ideal partner for Rhino as we both strive for elite excellence in everything we do. 
 
“We’re looking forward to working closely with the next generation of sporting talent and the coaches driving them forwards.”
 
Rhino is the official match ball supplier for both Asia Rugby and Rugby Europe and is official equipment supplier to the Welsh Rugby Union and French Rugby Federation. It has been contact partner for the last four British & Irish Lions tours and is scrum machine partner of England Rugby for more than 40 years.
 
For more information on Loughborough Sport visit: www.lboro.ac.uk/sport
 
For more information on Rhino, visit: www.rhino.direct