Guinness is already one of the biggest supporters of rugby in Ireland as long-running partners to the Irish Rugby Football Union, Leinster Rugby and sponsors of the Autumn International Series, as well as the upcoming Lions Tour in 2009. Commenting on the new sponsorship, Michael Whelan, Head of Sponsorship for Diageo Ireland (Owners of Guinness) said “Guinness and Munster Rugby are two iconic Irish brands, with shared passion and pride in who we are and what we do. We are really looking forward to working with Munster over the coming seasons.”