O2 has today extended its partnership arrangement with the Irish Rugby Football Union to 2016.The renewed agreement will see O2 continue as Ireland’s leading rugby sponsor and will include the O2 logo featuring on all of the Ireland senior international and Ireland Wolfhounds teams’ playing and training kits, as well as on a wide range of team-related IRFU merchandise. Stephen Shurrock, chief executive of Telefónica Ireland, which operates the O2 brand in Ireland, said: “I am delighted to confirm O2’s continued support of the Ireland team, in what are very exciting times for Irish rugby. “O2 is extremely proud to have been a loyal partner to the Irish team over the last five years. Declan Kidney, Brian O’Driscoll and all of the players and coaching staff have been incredibly successful, lifting the Grand Slam and numerous Triple Crowns, as well as the spirits of the country. “We look forward to sharing in the ambitions and successes of Irish rugby in the years ahead, and to bringing our customers and all rugby supporters closer to the action in the process”. IRFU president John Hussey said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with O2 as sponsors of the Ireland national team. “This has been one of the best and most successful sponsorships in Irish sport. We thank O2 for their continued commitment and we look forward to enjoying many more successful years both for O2 and the Ireland team.’’ As part of today’s announcement, O2 and the IRFU have also unveiled plans to hold an open training session with the Ireland squad on Thursday, August 25 in the Aviva Stadium.The O2 Ireland Team Training Session will allow supporters to get an exclusive view of the squad in their final preparations for the International game against England on August 27 at the Aviva Stadium, and for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.Admission to the O2 Ireland Team Training Session will be free and entry to the Aviva Stadium is by ticket only. Tickets are available from 2pm today from ticketmaster.ie.