NEO WTR becomes official hydration of Northampton Saints

NEO WTR, Europe’s first ethical spring water brand to use a 100 per cent Prevented Ocean Plastic bottle, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Northampton Saints – one of the UK’s top rugby union clubs.

By becoming their official Water Hydration Supplier, NEO WTR will ensure all players and support staff are kept hydrated both on and off the pitch. The men in Black, Green and Gold play their home matches at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, a historic ground with a capacity of over 15,000. Saints boast many current international stars amongst their squad including George Furbank, Alex Mitchell, Fraser Dingwall, Tommy Freeman and Ollie Sleightholme – while legendary past players include Courtney Lawes, Paul Grayson, Dan Biggar, Ben Cohen and Dylan Hartley. Saints have a passionate fanbase, and are deeply connected to the community in Northamptonshire.

“Hydration is obviously key for our squad, and we’re excited to agree this new partnership with NEO WTR, who will play an important role in supporting our players with their training and matchday preparations,” said Ulundi Makhanya, Director of Commercial Partnerships at Northampton Saints.

“Superior hydration products help the team to perform at their very best, and aid recovery as well, so we are looking forward to working alongside NEO WTR to gain any edge we can on the pitch.

“Moreover, we’re delighted to begin a new partnership with sustainability at the forefront. Our ambition at Saints is to operate the most sustainable rugby stadium in the country, and to be a pioneer for sustainability in rugby and beyond.

“We have already made great progress in this space, signing up to the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework in 2022 and hosting our first ever ‘Green Game’ last season. We continue to investigate new opportunities and technologies to help us achieve our sustainability goals, and given NEO WTR’s efforts to help the environment and reduce plastic pollution, they are a perfect partner for us moving forwards.”

UK-based NEO WTR launched in June 2024 and is Europe’s first drinks brand to use a recycled bottle that is made from ocean-bound plastic. Directly addressing the huge plastic pollution issue that is being faced globally, NEO WTR bottles are made using recycled plastic which has been produced from discarded bottles collected across at-risk coastlines, in a true bottle-to-bottle circular solution that supports ocean protection in the process.

Not only does NEO WTR offer environmental benefits, but the brand is supporting social efforts globally, choosing to source material from the POP programme, which offers fair rates of pay and higher standards to local collectors. Money from the programme is invested in building recycling facilities in countries that need them most.

Raffi Schieir, Director of Bantam Materials UK Ltd. and Founder of the Prevented Ocean Plastic programme, said: “Prevented Ocean Plastic is thrilled to be working with NEO WTR and welcome their new partnership with Northampton Saints. We collect plastic from where it doesn’t belong and give it a new life, like in NEO’s bottles. We congratulate both organisations for making their better plastic choice. Together we can tackle ocean plastic pollution. Which might just be easier than tackling Prevented Ocean Plastic ambassador, England Rugby Captain Marlie Packer.”

Araminta Karol, Marketing Manager at NEO WTR added, “we are delighted to become the official water hydration supplier of Northampton Saints. Working with such a high profile club will allow us to amplify our sustainability mission, working with the team to demonstrate healthy, ethical hydration. Fuelling our body correctly is essential, especially when playing sport at a professional level; hydration is a key part of that.”