Reconnecting with Gloucester Rugby for Lister Communications’ 25th anniversary

Anyone walking up the stairs at Lister's offices will see a framed Gloucester Rugby shirt on the wall. Beneath it is a photograph taken almost two decades ago, showing Rob and Tom Lister pitch-side with the Gloucester Rugby squad.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, Lister Unified Communications is reconnecting with Gloucester Rugby for a new sponsorship for the forthcoming season.

While this marks a return to sponsorship activity with the club, Lister has continued to work closely with Gloucester Rugby as a communications supplier since 2006, when we deployed a state-of-the-art IP telephony system, and more recently supplying the two-way radios used by teams across the stadium, including operational and security staff on matchdays.

Founded in 2001, Lister has spent the past quarter of a century building strong relationships with businesses across Gloucestershire and beyond. While the technology industry has evolved dramatically during that time, the principles the company was founded on have remained the same: building long-term partnerships and supporting the local community.

In many ways, Gloucester Rugby has followed a similar journey. The club has been part of the county's sporting identity since the 19th century and continues to play a role in developing rugby and community initiatives across the region, particularly through its Academy programme and commitment to developing young players.

As part of the sponsorship, Lister will support Gloucester Rugby throughout the season with broadcast coverage, whilst also sponsoring Academy player Jonno Balding as he continues his development within Gloucester Rugby. This is an opportunity to celebrate where the business has come from whilst supporting where the next generation is heading.

Twenty years ago, Gloucester Rugby was one of the first major sports teams the business became involved with. While the sponsorship has evolved over the years, the relationship itself has continued, with Lister supporting the club's day-to-day operations through its communications technology for almost two decades.

Today, as Lister marks a significant milestone of its own, the company is proud to be renewing that visible connection with a club that has been part of its journey for so long.

Rob Lister, Managing Director of Lister Unified Communications, said:

"When people see this announcement, they might think we're starting a new relationship with Gloucester Rugby, but the reality is we've been working together for many years. We've been supplying communications equipment to support the club's operations since 2006, so we've had a front-row seat to see how the organisation has developed over that time. We’ve also been regular attendees of the games through the 1873 club as founder members.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, it feels particularly fitting to build on that relationship through this sponsorship. Gloucester Rugby has been part of our story for a long time, and we're proud to support the club as it looks towards the future."