Former All Blacks rugby captain Sean Fitzpatrick, one of the greatest international players of all time, has accepted the post of brand ambassador for waterproof clothing manufacturers ProQuip of North Berwick.
As well as being the world's most capped hooker during an international career which spanned 11 years, he holds the record of 63 consecutive Test matches for the Kiwis, whom he'll be following later this month as a Sky Sports commentator during the British Lions tour of New Zealand.
Fitzpatrick, a keen golfer with a 15-handicap, is much in demand as a motivational speaker and managerial consultant to several City-based and blue chip companies.
"I'm proud to be working with ProQuip," said Fitzpatrick. "It is an innovative golf brand that makes outstanding products. However, in business terms, it's a sleeping giant and has a huge amount of potential. I will be working with ProQuip to open doors at the corporate level and do the deals that will make this a substantial international business."
ProQuip has been chosen by 12 Ryder Cup captains to provide waterproofs for their teams. The company claims its Ultralite range, as worn by the 2004 US Ryder Cup team, remains 'an industry standard for lightweight, waterproof/breathable golf clothing.'
ProQuip, which is already firmly established in the US, , has recently signed deals with the French Golf Federation and South African PGA Tour to supply weatherwear with a view to securing more business. The Netherlands and Germany are also being targeted.
"It comes at a perfect time for ProQuip because we have been busy working on a number of innovations in both fabrics and design that will genuinely revolutionise the look, feel and performance of golf weatherwear," says ProQuip managing director Richard Head of the Fitzpatrick appointment.
Fitzpatrick, who now lives in the UK, will be taking his all black ProQuip Ultralite suit to New Zealand with him to cover the Lions' Tour.
"It's winter down there and can be cold and wet, so my waterproof suit will be going everywhere with me," he said.
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