Sports sponsorship’s a big part of Crew Clothing’s marketing budget, so it’s no surprise the premium British lifestyle brand has expanded its ambassadorship portfolio.

The retailer’s signed two new ambassadors, women’s rugby players Abbie Ward and Natasha Hunt, who will now be wearing Crew off the pitch between tournaments.

The announcement follows the brand’s partnership with the world’s number one women’s rugby team, England’s Red Roses. From last September, Crew Clothing has dressed the playing squad and non-playing staff for all formal events and appearances as Official Formalwear Outfitter. The latest singings build on that.

Ward has been playing for the Red Roses for the last 10 years, has won several Six Nations titles and has competed in two Rugby World Cup finals. Last year, she also made history as the first woman to benefit from the RFU maternity rules, returning to the sport just 17 weeks after having her first child.

Red Roses scrum-half Hunt has 76 international caps and has twice helped the England squad reach the Women’s Rugby World Cup final. Last year she played in John Mitchell’s Grand Slam winning squad in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations and contributed, like Ward, to the Red Roses’ WXV title win in Canada.

This year both stars are set to represent England in the Red Roses Squad during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations in March, followed by the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August. 

The pair will be joining leading British tennis players Neal Skupski and Jodie Burrage in Crew Clothing’s expanding ambassador programme.

Naomi Parry, head of Marketing for Crew Clothing, said “Both [Abbie and Natasha] are such impressive athletes, and their commitment, drive and values make them a perfect match for Crew. We’re so excited to support them this year, in what is set to be an incredible season for women’s rugby.”

Last year, Crew said sports sponsorship and associations were a “significant driver” for the business. Over several years this has included a Williams Racing F1 licensed collection, a bespoke occasionwear package for Henley Royal Regatta and a technical golf range to enhance its sponsorship of the Legends Tour.