Lyle & Scott has bought Front Up Rugby, the British rugby-inspired clothing brand, for an undisclosed price. Front Up Rugby sells T-shirts, rugby shirts, polo shirts and hoodies through its own website and also has accounts with U.K. retailers including House of Fraser and Debenhams. Lyle & Scott, whose move is a result of its willingness to expand the sports division of its business, said it will work to upgrade and improve the online platform, supply and sourcing strategy and strategic partnerships. The company will also release a new range for the Rugby World Cup of 2015, available to trade from January 2015. Jon Allen, founder and managing director of Front Up, will join Lyle & Scott as its sports marketing manager, with a focus on driving its wider sports business forward. In May Lyle & Scott restructured its business into vintage, footwear and accessories and sports business units to support its plans for U.K. and international expansion.

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