ASICS, the leading performance footwear and apparel manufacturer, has seen some significant developments in its rugby roster with re-signings, player awards and the addition of all new ambassadors to the ASICS stable.

Super League Man of Steel and St Helens and Great Britain fullback Paul Wellens has re-signed with ASICS as their lead rugby league ambassador. The 27-year old, who picked up a host of accolades in 2006, has signed a three-year contract that will see him become the first to wear the new ASICS Tigreor and Lethal DS boots in Super League and international competition.

In rugby union, Saracens fly-half and ASICS ambassador Glen Jackson was recently named Professional Rugby Players’ Association Player of the Year. The 31-year old New Zealander beat out stiff competition from Bristol’s Dan Ward-Smith and Leicester’s Alesana Tuilagi.

"It’s fantastic for ASICS to be associated with success on the rugby pitch," says ASICS Marketing Manager, Andrew Freeman. "Paul and Glen are at the pinnacle of their respective sports, achieving astonishing results on the park through passion, skill and dedication, all qualities at the heart of the ASICS ethos. Having Paul and Glen wearing ASICS provides us with excellent exposure in two vital markets."

Other new ASICS recruits have met with success recently. Four ASICS-wearing England test players have been selected for the summer tour to South Africa including Toby Flood (Newcastle Falcons), Alex Brown (Gloucester), Jamie Noon (Newcastle Falcons) and Andy Titterrell (Sale Sharks). ASICS have also recently signed Welsh internationals Alix Popham and Gavin Evans. All players will wear the ASICS Tigreor and Lethal DS boots, available in leading rugby shops from July onwards.

PAUL WELLENS ACCOLADES, 2006:
Super League Man of Steel
Player’s Player of the Year
Rugby League Writers’ Player of the Year
St Helens Official Player of the Year
St Helens Supporters’ Player of the Year
Man of the Match, Super League Grand Final
Man of the Match, "XXXX" Test Match, Australia v Great Britain, June 2006
Named in engage Super League Dream Team 2006

GLEN JACKSON ACCOLADES, 2007:
Guinness Premiership:
Top Points Scorer (281)
Top Goal Kicker (95)
Professional Rugby Players’ Association Awards:
Player of the Year