The British & Irish Lions has signed a new licensing partnership with the world’s largest mouthguard manufacturer, OPRO, marking one of a number new licensing deals secured for the brand by The Point. 1888.

A product licensing programme for the British & Irish Lions is now well underway, created to tap into the demand for the sport ahead of the Castle Lager Lions Series in South Africa against the Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks.

The new partnership grants OPRO the rights to produce Lions-branded mouthguards available for purchase through its network of global retailers.

The relationship also sees all players selected in the Lions squad provided with OPRO’s, award winning, custom-fit mouthguards. OPRO is the official mouthguard partner of more than 85 teams and associations across the world, including England Rugby, Rugby Australia, New Zealand Rugby and 11 Gallagher Premiership clubs.

“We are delighted to welcome OPRO to our family of licensees,” said Tom Halsey, British & Irish Lions commercial director.

“OPRO’s pioneering approach to mouthguard technology and player welfare sets it apart from any competitor. We look forward to another successful partnership with them.”

Daniel Lovat, sports marketing director for OPRO, added: “It’s a huge privilege to once again be partnered with the Lions and we also thanks The Point. 1888 for their fantastic support.

“We’re excited to launch the range of Lions-branded mouthguards alongside our retail partners and also support the squad during the Tour, ensuring they’ve the very best protection for their teeth.”

OPRO is the latest in a list of recent Lions’ license deals secured by The Point.1888, which include Reach Publishing for a Lions pre-Tour magazine, Tour guide, and bookazine, Super Socks for a range of Lions-branded personalised socks and cushions, and Disrupt Sport who will create a portfolio of print on demand Lions products includng posters, stickers, puzzles, wallets, phone cases and bumbags.

“We are delighted to be working with these new partners to support what is set to be an incredible few months for the Lions in South Africa. With some very varied partners on board, we are thrilled to be appealing to so many fans across the entire family, as well as supporting the team whilst they play,” said Hannah Stevens, head of retail at The Point. 1888.