Williams Racing teams up with Munster Rugby to launch Irish virtual racing team

Williams Racing is delighted to announce an exciting partnership with Munster Rugby as the Formula One team continues to expand its growing gaming and esports footprint. Through its Williams Esports operation, the team will support Munster Rugby Gaming, the esports division of the Irish rugby team, and their entry into virtual racing in the 2022 SRO Sprint Series.

The SRO Sprint Series is a multi-continental platform for race enthusiasts to experience the thrills and challenges of GT's most competitive single class championship, The Fanatac GT World Challenge, powered by AWS. The acclaimed series has proved to be a streaming hit, with over 2.5 million viewers regularly tuning in online.

Munster Rugby launched its esports team Munster Rugby Gaming last year, competing in one of the world's leading esports titles, League of Legends throughout its debut season. Their entry into the 2022 SRO Sprint Series, organised in partnership with Williams Esports, will see two sim drivers competing in the virtual race series. The competition takes place at some of the most iconic virtual race circuits based on real world tracks and will see Munster Rugby Gaming represented by an Irish roster, led by rising star Daire McCormack who competed in the SRO Sprint Series in 2021.

By partnering with Williams Esports, Munster Rugby Gaming will enter virtual racing armed with the outfit’s market leading knowledge and capabilities.

Steven English, Head of Esports at Williams Racing, said: “We’re really looking forward to supporting Munster Rugby Gaming and their first foray into virtual racing. It’s clear that we have a shared philosophy around growing brand equity and reaching new audiences, so we’re anticipating some great results together.”

Enda Lynch, Head of Enterprise Munster Rugby, added: “Munster Rugby Gaming is delighted to partner with Williams Racing for the season ahead. It’s not often that two sports organisations with such a rich heritage and loyal set of supporters are able to partner on a new venture. Community and family are core values for both organisations and this will be at the core of the relationship as we grow it. We are also incredibly lucky to have strong Irish talent on our team and we’re excited to share the on-track experience with our supporters in the season ahead.”