The Richmond Football Club today announced a new partnership with Nissan Australia.

Richmond CEO Steven Wright said that the Tigers were delighted to have formed a relationship with Nissan as shorts sponsors for the next two years.

“To have wonderful support off field from major companies such as Nissan greatly strengthens our push to restore this Club to its rightful place in the competition,” Mr Wright said.

“We believe we’re on the verge of the next exciting era at Tigerland. We are about to embark on a $20 million redevelopment of our facilities and we have a talented group of players coming through,” Mr Wright said.

“Nissan is thrilled to have formed a partnership with the Richmond Football Club as they enter a new phase in the Club’s proud history,” said Nissan Australia’s Managing Director and CEO, Dan Thompson.

“Our partnership with the Tigers puts the Nissan brand in an exciting marketing arena - an alignment with an iconic club in the premier national sporting competition with broad community following,” Mr Thompson said.

“Having built its foundation in Australia on a range of vehicles that delivered outstanding quality and reliability, Nissan is entering a new era in Australia - an era represented by a range of vehicles that reflect performance, design and innovation,” he said.

“We’re very pleased knowing our brand will be taking the field each week during the AFL season with the mighty Tigers.”

Tigers Captain Chris Newman said the team was looking forward to taking the field with Nissan as a shorts sponsor in 2009.

“Quite a few of our players drive Nissan vehicles already. There are several Muranos and Patrols parked in our Punt Road Oval carpark and they are a great brand for us to associate ourselves with,” Newman said.