Harrison Drury strikes partnership deal with Swinton Lions RLFC

North West law firm Harrison Drury has secured a legal partnership and sponsorship agreement with historic northern rugby league football club Swinton Lions.

Based in Sale, Swinton Lions is one of the oldest rugby league clubs in the world. As part of the partnership deal, Harrison Drury will provide professional legal advice to the club and is sponsoring its fixtures against Doncaster on July 3 and Keighley Cougars on August 7, 2022.

As the club’s official legal partner, Harrison Drury will also feature in promotional advertising at Swinton Lions’ home ground in Sale.

Through its specialist sports sector team, Harrison Drury will be on hand to advise Swinton Lions in relation to on and off-field disciplinary and regulatory matters, in addition to supporting the club with corporate, commercial property and employment law issues, including player contracts, loans and transfers.

The partnership was formed through a close working relationship between Matthew Astley, associate solicitor at Harrison Drury and former professional rugby league player, who specialises in commercial and sports-related litigation, disciplinary and regulatory matters.

Matthew said: “We are always seeking ways to work in partnership with local sports clubs and to support them, not only by providing legal expertise, but in recognition of the valuable role they play in their local communities.

“As a former player, I have a keen interest in remaining connected with the sport in my role as a solicitor. Swinton Lions is a leading club that supports not only its players and wider staff group but also rugby league at grass roots level. It has made a huge contribution to the development of the sport across Greater Manchester and we are proud to be working with them.”

Stephen Wild, CEO of Swinton Lions RLFC said: “Swinton Lions rugby league club is an organisation with some 156 years of history. This proud heritage has not only sustained us over the years, it now also fuels our future ambitions, inspiration and pride.

“Harrison Drury shares an equal passion for supporting local communities, and we are therefore thrilled to welcome them as our official legal partners. They have already provided invaluable advice to the club over recent months, and it’s wonderful therefore to formally confirm our partnership.”

Founded in the late 19th century, Swinton Lions RLFC, based at CorPacq Stadium, Heywood Road, Sale, includes a professional men’s team in the national Betfred League 1 division, the Swinton Lionesses female team and Manchester Lions junior teams as well as operating various rugby-based community activities for the Greater Manchester region under the Lions’ Foundation banner.

Pictured above left to right: Swinton Lions chairman Stuart Fletcher, Matthew Astley from Harrison Drury and Swinton Lions CEO Steve Wild.