Mitsubishi Motors UK has today announced that it will not be continuing its sponsorship partnership with Bristol Rugby Club after the end of the 2004/2005 season.

Jim Tyrrell, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors UK stated: "After four great years with the club we have decided to step down as primary sponsors when the current contract expires at the end of July."

Tyrrell continued: "I would like to congratulate the team and the new management on the professional way in which the club has been turned around and am delighted that Bristol Rugby is back in the Premiership where it belongs. We have been extremely proud of our association with Bristol and feel that now is the right time to hand over the reins to a new sponsor."

Club Director Nigel Pomphrey responded: "Mitsubishi’s support has been invaluable and the way they stuck with us after relegation was fantastic. We want to thank them most sincerely for their support, and I am proud of the role we have played in Mitsubishi’s marketing effort, particularly in the Bristol area."

It is understood that the club are already in the last stages of talks with a new sponsor. Pomphrey added: "Rob Clilverd, Director in charge of the club’s Marketing, is leading the charge on this. Interest in rugby and Bristol in particular is at an all time high and we are very aware of the value we can offer a sponsor both in terms of awareness and sales increases. We look forward to announcing our new commercial partner as soon as possible."

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