Hankook Tyre Australia has increased its involvement with professional rugby in Australia.

Hankook, already the “official tire” of the National Rugby League, has entered into a commitment to sponsor Monday night league fixtures throughout the current season. Not only will Hankook serve as title sponsor of the Monday night games, it will also use them as a platform for sharing the dangers of driving on under-inflated tires.

“With its huge national audience, the NRL is the ideal platform to raise consumer awareness about tire safety,” commented Hankook. “Our NRL Pump it Up consumer information campaign will encourage league fans to regularly check their tire pressures. Our message to fans is that driving on underinflated tires is like trying to kick an underinflated rugby ball – the result is reduced performance and less control. Underinflated tires reduce handling control, lengthen braking distances and reduce tire durability to the point where they could suddenly fail.”

National Rugby League CEO David Gallop said he is pleased to assist in spreading Hankook’s tire safety message: “We want our fans to get to the game safely and return home safely. Regularly checking tire pressures can contribute to that and the NRL is happy to support that message."

With the commencement of Hankook Monday Night Football, the tiremaker also becomes an official National Rugby League partner. “We are very pleased to have Hankook Tyre join our select group of corporate partners,” Gallop stated. “Hankook is a dynamic brand with big plans in Australia and we are looking forward to partnering with them as they grow in this market.” (Tyres & Accessories)