Cronulla  Sharks NRL club have announced a major two and half year shirt sponsorship deal with Thai energy drink brand Shark Energy.

The Sharks, curently joint third in the competition, announced an interim front of shirt deal with Fisherman’s Friend lozenges earlier in the season after starting the campaign without a major sponsor.

Shark Energy is a caffeine-based drink produced in Thailand  by a conglomerate called Osotspa. The company says Shark Energy drink is found in  89 countries and sells 1 billion a year.

The new major sponsorship is for the remainder of 2012 and also for the 2013 and 2014 NRL seasons.

Sharks Commercial Manager Peter Beaumont welcomed Shark Energy the club’s major partner.

“Our partnership with an international brand of this size is a great reward for everyone at our club,” Beaumont said. “Both the Club and the players will be assisting Shark Energy to enter the East Coast market with impact. Being on the front of the jersey will assist this drive

“The brand fit and synergy creates wonderful new merchandise and revenue opportunities as well as introducing the Cronulla Sharks and Rugby League to millions of people throughout Thailand and Asia,” Beaumont added.

The club said it was the first sports sponsorship for the brand.

Image: via @nathan_gardner