RABODIRECT HAVE ANNOUNCED today that they will pull the plug on their sponsorship of the Pro12 competition after the upcoming season.

The move will come three years into a planned four-year deal. The online bank say that the partnership has helped them achieve ‘key business objectives’ since they took over from Magners.

“Our commitment to the PRO12 will be the same this season,” says Tim Bicknell, RaboDirect general manager, ”and we will continue to push the boundaries, innovate and bring our energy and expertise to the competition through a strong programme of activity.

“We are developing our business strategy for the next five years and the excellent results of this partnership has helped inform and influence our strategy for potential future partnerships.”

For Celtic Rugby, it means again looking for a sponsor for the competition.

“Celtic Rugby would like to thank RaboDirect for its investment and support of the competition from the introduction in 2011 until the end of the upcoming season,” said chief executive, John Feehan. ”The competition has grown hugely over the last few years and this season is set to be even better. The launch will kick start what we all expect will be another fascinating campaign.”