Low-cost airline carrier Virgin Blue will continue to sponsor the South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL team, extending an existing two-year contract, while the Australian Technology Park (ATP) will become a senior partner.

The Virgin Blue deal includes sponsorship of the club’s training gear and logo placement on the team’s playing shorts. Virgin Blue chief executive, Brett Godfrey, told Australian Sponsorship news: “Our team at Virgin Blue has been really impressed with the collaboration and the spirit that surrounds South Sydney and we are keen to continue our support for the club."

Meanwhile the Australian Technology Park (ATP) will become a senior partner of the Rabbitohs and ATP signage will appear at the Australian Technology Park Performance Centre at Redfern Oval and at Rabbitohs' home games.

The ATP has also signed a two-year partnership to sponsor local community service provider Souths Cares, the charity supported by the Rabbitohs. Souths Cares assists disadvantaged youth and their families in the South Sydney district through education, training and employment programmes.

Rabbitohs chief executive and Souths Cares board member Shane Richardson said: "The Australian Technology Park is one of the leading organisations in the heart of the South Sydney district, so for Souths Cares to have an opportunity to partner with them was an opportunity that we jumped at.

"Our players and staff have made a big impact on the local community and having the backing of the Australian Technology Park will allow Souths Cares to take the next steps with the Teachers' Aide and Workplace Mentoring programs which are touching our people now.

"Redfern Oval will now house the Australian Technology Park Performance Centre, with our first big event for 2010 at Redfern Oval coming up on Sunday 7 February when we play the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in our first trial match of 2010.

"We started training for the new season at the Australian Technology Park Performance Centre on Monday and we're looking forward to providing our players with the best training facilities, as well as our community with the best support through Souths Cares' programs, all with the backing of the Australian Technology Park."