DALLAS, Mar 9, 2006/ FW/ --- We sleep with him, eat with him, and dress up with him; now, we are also going to play tennis with him. Polo Ralph Lauren announced today that it has been designated as the exclusive Official Outfitter of Wimbledon through 2010.

Commenting on the appointment, Ralph Lauren, Chairman and CEO of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation said on a statement, "I have long been inspired by the rich heritage and traditions of England. I am thrilled to be partnering with the All England Club / Wimbledon and playing a major role in such a historic sporting event.”

Polo Ralph Lauren’s designation as the Official Outfitter of Wimbledon is a first in the All England Club’s 129-year history. Per the agreement, Polo Ralph Lauren will create and outfit all on-court officials including chair umpires, line umpires and ball persons.

The new uniforms, a three-piece ensemble, will be seen in Wimbledon starting this year’s tournament. Done in navy blue and cream, the uniforms were created respecting the history and heritage of English tennis.

Interpreting the official’s clothing in a contemporary and stylish manner, while incorporating the timelessness and elegance of the Championships, Ralph Lauren also added ease of dressing as an element.

“Wimbledon and Polo share the same non-compromising standards and determination to maintain and enhance the values for which our two brands are famous throughout the world,” said Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive, All England Club Wimbledon in a statement.

“The Polo brand will bring to Wimbledon the look of timeless elegance, drawing on our rich history and traditions,” he added.

The Wimbledon is the second tennis Grand Slam tournament where Ralph Lauren will serve as the official apparel sponsor. Last year Polo Ralph Lauren announced a 4-year partnership with the USTA establishing Ralph Lauren as the Official Apparel Sponsor of the US Open through 2008.

As an added bonus to both Ralph Lauren fans, the Polo Ralph Lauren Wimbledon Collection will be sold at select retail stores, including Ralph Lauren freestanding stores, and online at www.polo.com

In short, the fans can truly be part of the games when the Wimbledon Championships are going on. Slated from June 26 to July 9, 2006, the famous tennis tournament expects 450,000 visitors to attend.

On television, 562 million homes across 183 countries watch 7,043 hours of television coverage of the sporting event.

For more information on the championships, log on to www.wimbledon.org

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren