SPC U.k. Spac Plc

RNS Number:2769A
Sportscard Group PLC
12 March 2001


12 March 2001



SPORTSCARD BECOMES OFFICIAL CREDIT CARD TO BARBARIANS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB AND
                                 TOUR SPONSOR



  * Sportscard to become Barbarians RFC official credit card supplier
  * Associate sponsor of the Barbarian's summer tour in UK
  * Increased visibility of Sportscard brand at top sporting events



Sportscard Group plc ("Sportscard" or "the company"), the rewards-based credit
card company, announces that it has signed a three-year agreement with
Barbarians Rugby Football Club to become the Club's official credit card.

Under this agreement, Sportscard will have access to the members and
supporters of the Barbarian Football Club over the next three years to offer
them their credit card programme. The deal will provide Sportscard with an
additional dedicated database of rugby union enthusiasts. This builds on the
250,000 rugby followers that the Company has already gained access to via
agreements signed with Richmond FC and the Zurich Premiership.

In addition, Sportscard has concluded an agreement with the Barbarians to
become an Associate Sponsor. The sponsorship will kick off with the
Barbarians' three-match UK tour in May with games against Wales at the
Millennium Stadium, Scotland at Murrayfield and the English Premiership Club
Champions at Twickenham.

Sportscard will gain extensive exposure through TV advertising boards, match
programmes and publicity material. The deal importantly provides the Company
with access to 'hard to find' international rugby tickets for their
cardholders.

The Barbarians deal represents another important step in Sportscard's business
development programme both by enhancing its profile at leading sports events
and by enabling it to effectively target potential new cardholders from sports
enthusiasts across the country.

Jonathan Dickins, Director of Sportscard Group Plc, said:

"We are delighted to have joined forces with such an historic, famous and
respected Club as the Barbarians and believe that the association will benefit
both the Club and our own business and cardholders. Top class international
rugby is an ideal fit for the Sportscard brand in terms of audience and
quality."

Micky Steele-Bodger, President of Barbarians FC, said:

"We are delighted that Sportscard are supporting the Barbarian Football Club
and we hope our members and rugby followers will take up the benefits the
sports credit card offers, "

                                   - Ends -



ENQUIRIES:

Sportscard Group Plc          020 7925 2500

Jonathan Dickins

Bell Bottinger Financial          020 7353 9203

Rebecca Fox/Oliver Jones

The Barbarian Football Club     020 7559 2830

Kevin Stewart



Note to Editors:

Sportscard:


  * Sportscard Group Plc, the rewards-based credit card company, listed on
    the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) on 9th October 2000.

  * The Sportscard credit card is targeted at sports enthusiasts whom the
    Company aims to attract by offering a range of sporting rewards and
    benefits.

  * Cardholders accumulate "Sports Points" for every transaction they make
    on the credit card, which they can then exchange in part or full payment
    for, amongst other things, "hard to find" tickets to major sporting
    events, including the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Premier League
    Football, Rugby Union and Cricket at Lords. Tickets are offered at cost
    value and with no requirement to take related hospitality packages.

  * Sportscard has already signed a three-year partnership agreement with
    Premier Rugby, the marketing and commercial arm of English First Division
    Rugby representing the 12 English Rugby union clubs that play in The
    Zurich Premiership. As well as becoming the official credit card of
    Premier Rugby, Sportscard will have access to each Premiership rugby
    club's members and supporters throughout the season, offering a branded
    card for each of the participating clubs. They will provide the Company
    with an additional dedicated database of up to 250,000 sports enthusiasts.

  * The Company currently has approximately 11,600 active holders of
    Sportscards. Future marketing initiatives are planned by the Company with
    the objective of increasing the Sportscard cardholder base to 500,000
    active cardholders over the next five years.

Barbarians:


  * The brilliant idea of forming a Barbarians touring side was conceived by
    WP Carpmael late one evening in a Bradford restaurant in 1890. The
    underlying ethos of the Club, which remains to this day, was that it
    should be cosmopolitan, spread good fellowship, play attractive rugby and
    with membership by invitation only.

  * Over 3,000 club and international players have represented the Barbarian
    Football Club.

  * The Barbarians are unique in that they have no home ground, no
    clubhouse, no entry fee and no subscription.

  * The Club has often played commemorative matches, made overseas tours and
    had the honour since 1948 of always playing International Touring sides at
    the end of their respective tours of Great Britain

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