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New OPRO Instant Custom-Fit Mouthguard 22nd July 2022

OPRO, the leading global manufacturer of the most technically advanced mouthguard and Double Queen’s Award Winner for Enterprise: Innovation, has this week launched the world’s first dentist level custom-fit mouthguard that can be fitted instantly at home, saving contact sports players significant time and money.

Danny Care Says Rugby Will 'Never Be Fully Safe,' Believes a Sensor-Laden Mouthguard Can Save His Smash-Mouth Sport January 10, 2022

A tiny micro-chip in Danny Care's Opro+ mouthguard is the possible antidote to the "head knocks'' of rugby, as it keeps players alerted of the constant head trauma they face in practices and games...

How mouthguard technology aims to minimise the risk of concussions in rugby 28th October 2021

As rugby league joins union in preparing to deal with concussion-related legal issues, a tiny sensor in players’ mouthguards could hold the key to preserving both codes’ futures.

OPRO perfect fit for Kookaburras and Hockeyroos 15th December 2021

The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will rest assured knowing their teeth (and smiles) are in the safest possible hands after Hockey Australia secured a partnership with Addlon and OPRO mouthguards.

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ROYAL VISITS OPRO 16th August 2021

On Friday 23rd July 2021, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal made a special visit to OPRO, the world’s most innovative mouthguard company, at its headquarters in Hemel Hempstead.

Scoop Culture - "Nib Teams Up With The Blues To Protect The Little Smiles Of Junior Rugby Players" 21st April 2021

"nib New Zealand (nib) has partnered with the Blues to launch its nib Little Legends Little Smiles initiative, giving 1,000 PIC Junior Rugby players the ultimate protection with their very own OPRO custom-fit mouthguards – just like those worn by our boys in blue during Super Rugby Aotearoa."

Daily Mail - "With six months to go until the opening ceremony, here what's new at the Games for Tokyo 2020" 24 January, 2020

With six months to go until the opening ceremony of Tokyo 2020, time is running out for athletes to book their spots.

There will be five events - baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding, surfing, sport climbing - introduced to the Games in a concerted effort to appeal to a younger market.

Sportsmail takes a look at the new additions and whether Team GB may be in for more medals.

Scoop - "NZRL Announce New Partnership with OPRO" 4th February, 2020

"New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is pleased to announce, OPRO, the producer of the world’s most technically advanced mouthguard, is now the official mouthguard supplier of New Zealand Rugby League."

RLNews.com - "NZ junior players to receive free mouthguard as part of new deal" 05 February, 2020

"NZRL CEO Greg Peters said: “We are delighted to enter into a long-term relationship with such a trusted and quality brand such as OPRO.

“Their calibre of clients speaks for itself and we are extremely grateful for their generosity and what they are providing, not only our rugby league communities at a grassroots level but also our high-performance athletes as we set sight on the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.”

Sports-Insight - "NZRL announce new partnership with OPRO" 05 February, 2020

"OPRO is now the official mouthguard supplier of New Zealand Rugby League.

As part of the three-year agreement, OPRO will provide every single registered player in New Zealand between the ages of 6-12 with a free Snap-Fit mouthguard; their entry-level mouthguard that received the Queen’s Award for Innovation."

Sportcal - "OPRO increases rugby prominence with MLR and NZRL deals" 05 February, 2020

"OPRO, the UK-based manufacturer of mouthguards for athletes, has agreed new partnerships with Major League Rugby, the North American professional rugby union competition, and New Zealand Rugby League, the sport’s domestic governing body. 

The brand said its new agreement with MLR “underpins OPRO’s commitment to supporting rugby in North America,” as it also has official partnerships with USA Rugby and Rugby Canada."

 

Sports Industry - "INDUSTRY SHORTS" 05 February, 2020

"British mouthguard manufacturer OPRO has signed new deals with New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) and Major League Rugby (MLR).

The NZRL deal is a three-year agreement that will see every single registered player in New Zealand between the ages of 6 and 12 given a free Snap-Fit mouthguard. Meanwhile, OPRO's deal with MLR means it will supply every player from each franchise with top-level mouthguards."

Scrum 5 - "OPRO Partners with Major League Rugby" 05 February, 2020

"OPRO, the world’s largest manufacturer of the most technically advanced mouthguard, today announced an exciting new partnership with Major League Rugby (MLR).

Recognized as the world’s leading mouthguard brand, OPRO has longstanding partnerships with over 80+ world-class sporting associations and supplies thousands of elite athletes with sports mouthguards each year."

BBC News - "Rugby concussion: Swansea University study into protecting women" 10 February, 2020

"Rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports for women and one of the few sports where men and women play in exactly the same way. But recent research suggests female players are at a greater risk of suffering concussion than men - and the effects are more severe.

Swansea University is carrying out a pioneering study to understand why. The work is also studying if changes to the way female rugby players train can cut the risk of concussive injuries."

 

Harlequins - "OPRO Renews as Official Mouthguard of Harlequins" 25th June, 2020

HARLEQUINS IS DELIGHTED TO RENEW ITS LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH OPRO, WHICH SEES THE HERTFORDSHIRE-BASED COMPANY CONTINUE AS THE OFFICIAL MOUTHGUARD FOR THE CLUB FOR A FURTHER THREE YEARS.

This deal ensures Harlequins continue to enjoy the assurance of wearing OPRO’s internationally renowned, custom-made mouthguards for all players. This includes continued support of Harlequins Women through the next phase of the RFU’s top tier Premier 15’s competition.

My Sporting Isolation: Vicky Fleetwood - 'Delivering online workouts has added structure to my week and helped mentally' 27th March, 2020

"The coronavirus has wreaked havoc across the sporting landscape. Starting this week a number of athletes from multiple sports tell us how their worlds have been turned upside down and how they are dealing with the situation, both as sportspeople and in their personal lives."

The Telegraph - "My Sporting Isolation: Vicky Fleetwood - 'Delivering online workouts has added structure to my week and helped mentally'" 27th March, 2020

The coronavirus has wreaked havoc across the sporting landscape. Starting this week a number of athletes from multiple sports tell us how their worlds have been turned upside down and how they are dealing with the situation, both as sportspeople and in their personal lives.

European Sponsorship Association - "Member spotlight: OPRO" 9th July, 2020

"Sponsorship works really well for us. Having the very best protection for your teeth is of paramount importance to professional athletes in contact sports such as rugby, hockey, American football and martial arts.

We’ve longstanding partnerships with a whole host of organisations, first and foremost ensuring the players are protected. The rights we receive in return reflect this and are used to best promote our role in enhancing player welfare."

Leicester Tigers - "OPRO introduces PROTECHT System with Tigers" 8th July, 2020

"Leicester Tigers are delighted to announce the renewal of their longstanding partnership with OPRO as the club’s official mouthguard supplier. The club is also excited to be able to use the cutting-edge technology of the PROTECHT system to support improvements in player welfare."

The Sportsman - "Meet The Man Behind The Mouthguard That Tells Your Brain How Hard You've Been Hit" 28th July, 2020

"If you have watched a rugby match in the past year or so, you’ve almost certainly seen the work of Dr. Anthony Lovat. Because Dr. Lovat is Mr. Mouthguard, a former dentist who, despairing at the damage he saw in young people’s teeth through school sports, decided to use his extensive knowledge to produce bespoke gumshields and save a legion of playground smiles."

Daily Mail - "Leading rugby clubs turn to mouthguard technology in attempt to prevent injury pile-up ahead of restart with special gumshields able to measure impact of every collision" 13th August, 2020

"Leicester and Harlequins are among the sides using an innovative technology, which helps them measure the physical toll on players through live data collected by their mouthguard.

Originally designed to battle the sport’s problems with concussion, a chip inserted into the mouthguard allows clubs to detail the impact of every tackle and collision. And after players went so long without full-contact training, there were fears that stars could be more prone to injury."

Metro - "These iconic female athletes are ready to ‘fight for the future of girls in sport" 12 December, 2019

Women’s sport has continued to skyrocket in popularity over the last decade – and public enthusiasm is showing no signs of dwindling.

 

Fill Your Boots - "OPRO Partners with Major League Rugby" 05 February, 2020

"Recognised as the world’s leading mouthguard brand, OPRO has longstanding partnerships with over 80+ world-class sporting associations and supplies thousands of elite athletes with sports mouthguards each year.

As the official mouthguard provider of MLR, OPRO will supply every player from each franchise with their top-level mouthguards, ensuring the very best protection for their teeth.

“Adding OPRO as the official mouthguard provider was a key element for the MLR in year three. We’re dedicated to providing the best equipment to our athletes and know that OPRO is committed to excellence in this category,” said MLR Commissioner George Killebrew."

Sports Inisght - "OPRO Partners with Major League Rugby" 06 February, 2020

"OPRO, the world’s largest manufacturer of the most technically advanced mouthguard, has announced an exciting new partnership with Major League Rugby (MLR)."

Mail Online - "What Five New Sports are Coming to Tokyo 2020?" 24 January, 2020

"Medal hopes lie with 27-year-old Jordan Thomas in the men's Kumite discipline. 

Luton-born Thomas won gold in the 2016 World Championships and also has the 2014 European Championship title to his name.

Thomas, an OPRO ambassador, told Sportsmail: 'It is real now, I grew up watching Olympics, athletics, boxing, wrestling, judo, all of these at the biggest sporting event in the world."

GIVEMESPORT - "Women's Sports: British UFC fighter Danny Roberts praises the evolution of the women’s game this decade" 14 December, 2019

UFC president Dana White once said that women would never fight in the UFC under his command. Now, ever since Ronda Rousey first fought Liz Carmouche in February 2013, the women’s division has been on the rise and is continuing to develop to this day.

The Independent - "Shona McCallin: The GB hockey star on her long battle with concussion" 9th December, 2019

McCallin was playing for Great Britain in Argentina last year when an innocuous shoulder to the side of her head left her dazed. “It got me in the wrong place, with a rotational aspect and I wasn’t prepared for it,” McCallin tells The Independent. “It was just an unlucky combination of all of those things.”

GQ - "Jordan Thomas on what it takes to become Britain’s first Olympic karateka" 28 January, 2020

"Jordan Thomas comes from a dynasty of great British karate champs, but it was an accident when he was two years old that put him on the path to his current success. GQ asks how Britain’s great new martial arts hope is getting ready for medal success."

China Daily - 'Wearable technology can make sports safer' 7th November, 2019

With the riveting ups and downs of the Rugby World Cup in the past few weeks, it is the right time to reflect upon the sheer athleticism and bravery of the men competing in what can be, at times, an extremely physical endeavor.

Forbes - 'How Technology Can Help Sports Advance After 2019 Rugby World Cup' 1st November, 2019

World-leading mouthguard manufacturer OPRO have been working with electronics firm Sports & Wellbeing Analytics (SWA) on a device fitted with circuit boards designed to measure head impacts.

Daily Mail - "Conor McGregor urged to wear revolutionary new mouthguard for Octagon return... which could aid the fight against fatal head injuries across all combat sports" 31st October, 2019

Conor McGregor has become the latest fighting icon urged to wear a revolutionary new mouthguard that could transform combat sports' fight against potentially fatal head injuries.

The Sun - "Conor McGregor to join Anthony Joshua in wearing new high-tech mouthguard for UFC return to stop fatal head injuries" 31st October, 2019

CONOR MCGREGOR has been urged to join Anthony Joshua in wearing a revolutionary new mouthguard that tracks brutal blows to the head ahead of his UFC return.

T3 - "Best leg workouts to build strength and speed, from Rugby World Cup champion Vicky Fleetwood" 31st October, 2019

Despite the mildly irksome time difference, millions have been tuning in to ingest the greatest rugger on the planet, as the drama of the Rugby World Cup unfolds live in Japan.

The Times - "Chris Eubank calls for trial of concussion mouthguard in boxing" 24th October, 2019

The former world champion Chris Eubank is backing the introduction of a high-tech “concussion” mouthguard in an effort to make boxing safer.

Daily Mail - "Anthony Joshua urged to use revolutionary new mouthguard that could help boxing's fight against fatal injuries" 22nd October, 2019

Anthony Joshua's doctor wants the heavyweight to use a revolutionary new mouthguard that could help boxing's fight against fatal head injuries.

WIRED - "Smart gumshields are monitoring Rugby World Cup concussions" 19th October, 2019

Concussions have become a growing issue in contact sports. New on-field technology is helping to understand the consequences.

Sports-Insight - "OPRO announce partnership with Legend Fighting Championship" 16th September, 2019

As the Official Mouthguard of Legend FC, the deal will see OPRO supply all Legend FC fighters with elite level mouthguards that will be worn while training or competing inside the cage.

ESPN - "Love, rugby and a sport's crucial battle with concussion" 16th September, 2019

Lewis Moody played the whole of England's 2007 Rugby World Cup match against Tonga. He doesn't remember all of it.

His wife, Annie, does. She was pregnant, and sat in the stands as her husband was knocked out cold. Not once, but twice.

Get Sweat Go - "The Checklist: Training and kit advice from an Olympic hockey champion" 13th September, 2019

This week, we speak to British hockey player Shona McCallin about training, her kit, what she thinks is happening in the fitness industry and about being an ambassador for OPRO Mouthguards.

Fill Your Boots - "OPRO announce partnership with Rugby Canada" 12th September, 2019

As the official mouthguard of Rugby Canada, OPRO is now the mouthguard partner of over 75 teams including New Zealand Rugby, England Rugby, Australia Rugby, USA Rugby, Canadian Lacrosse, Football Canada and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). With over 20 years’ experience, OPRO is dedicated to bringing leading technology and safety to athletes at all levels of sport.

iSportConnect - "Rugby Canada Names OPRO As The Official Mouthguard" 12th September, 2019

OPRO has signed an official partnership with Rugby Canada, the national governing body for Rugby Union in Canada. With player welfare, a key component of OPRO’s commitment to developing the game of rugby at all levels, the new partnership draws a parallel with Rugby Canada’s ‘PlaySmart’ initiative.

Sports-Insight - "OPRO announce partnership with Rugby Canada" 12th September, 2019

OPRO will provide elite level mouthguards to all junior and senior players from Rugby Canada’s national programme, as well as providing access to their entire range of award-winning Self-Fit mouthguards to Rugby Canada’s grassroots level of rugby across Canada.

Sportcal - "OPRO adds Rugby Canada to stable ahead of World Cup" 12th September, 2019

OPRO, the UK-based manufacturer of mouthguards for athletes, has struck a sponsorship deal with Rugby Canada ahead of the Rugby World Cup, which gets underway next week.

OPRO will provide elite level mouthguards to all junior and senior players from Rugby Canada’s national programme, as well as providing access to its range of Self-Fit mouthguards at a grassroots level.

 

Scrum5 Rugby - "OPRO announce partnership with Rugby Canada" 12th September, 2019

Together, OPRO and Rugby Canada are looking toward September in Japan, to the highly anticipated men’s Rugby World Cup which they see as a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on the noise and excitement around the game, to inspire more children to become involved in a sport that is steeped in history.

Sports Insight - "OPRO sign Canadian superstar Danielle Lappage as first ever wrestling brand ambassador" 19th July, 2019

"Having last year announced an official partnership with Wrestling Canada Lutte, and with deals already in place with the likes of USA Wrestling, Canadian Lacrosse, Football Canada, Taekwondo Canada and USA Rugby, the relationship underlies an increasingly committed stance from OPRO to promote safe sport across Canada and America."

England legend Tamara Daily Mail - "Taylor on breaking rugby records on Mount Everest, an unprecedented testimonial year and why retirement isn't on her mind yet" 20th May, 2019

"She won the 2014 Women's World Cup and has earned 115 appearances for her country, but in climbing Mount Everest, veteran lock Tamara Taylor has conquered one of the toughest test of her career to date.

The Darlington Sharks forward was one of four team captains – alongside former Ollie Phillips, Shane Williams and Lee Mears – and 19 participants to do the LMAX Exchange Everest Rugby Challenge, breaking world records for highest game of rugby, at 6,331m above sea level and highest ever game of touch rugby."

MMA Fighting - "Danny Roberts expects to shut down ‘showman’ newcomer Michel Pereira: ‘This is the UFC’" 18th May, 2019

"Danny Roberts is looking to get back to his winning ways following a controversial hometown loss to Claudio Silva at UFC London when he takes on viral sensation and promotional newcomer, Michel Pereira, at UFC Rochester."

iNews - "Bianca Walkden on getting girls to fight, her taekwondo world title hopes… and Conor McGregor" 10th May, 2019

"If Bianca Walkden hadn’t chosen to kick people in the head for a living, she would make for an excellent motivational speaker. Because the two-time taekwondo world champion talks with conviction, from the heart – and with not a little Scouse swagger."

Irish Mirror - "PRO14 clash set to debut live impact data from mouthguards to monitor head injuries" 27th April, 2019

"Sport's search for better protection from concussions will take a step forward today when Ospreys and Cardiff Blues players become the first to compete while wearing mouthguards that send head impact data to the sidelines."

"The instrumented mouthguards are made by Hemel Hempstead-based OPRO, the world's leading provider of advanced gum shields, and they contain a tiny electronic chip that measures impacts and sends the data, in real time, to a receiving station that can be plugged into a team doctor's laptop."

Mail Online - "Smart mouthguard that might help tackle rugby´s concussion crisis set for debut" 26th April, 2019

"Sport’s search for better protection from concussions will take a step forward on Saturday when Ospreys and Cardiff Blues players become the first to compete while wearing mouthguards that send head impact data to the sidelines."

"The instrumented mouthguards are made by Hemel Hempstead-based OPRO, the world’s leading provider of advanced gum shields, and they contain a tiny electronic chip that measures impacts and sends the data, in real time, to a receiving station that can be plugged into a team doctor’s laptop."

RugbyPass - "Mouthguards that send head impact data live to the sidelines set for PRO14 debut" 26th April, 2019

"Sport’s search for better protection from concussions will take a step forward on Saturday when Ospreys and Cardiff Blues players become the first to compete while wearing mouthguards that send head impact data to the sidelines."

"The instrumented mouthguards are made by Hemel Hempstead-based OPRO, the world’s leading provider of advanced gum shields, and they contain a tiny electronic chip that measures impacts and sends the data, in real time, to a receiving station that can be plugged into a team doctor’s laptop."

RTE - "Pro14 clash to trial live impact data mouthguards" 26th April, 2019

"Ospreys and Cardiff Blues players will become the first professional rugby teams to compete while wearing mouthguards that send head impact data to the sidelines in their Pro14 clash tomorrow. The instrumented mouthguards are made by OPRO, the world's leading provider of advanced gum shields, and they contain a tiny electronic chip that measures impacts and sends the data, in real time, to a receiving station that can be plugged into a team doctor's laptop."

Times & Star - "Smart mouthguard that might help tackle rugby’s concussion crisis set for debut" 26th April, 2019

"Sport’s search for better protection from concussions will take a step forward on Saturday when Ospreys and Cardiff Blues players become the first to compete while wearing mouthguards that send head impact data to the sidelines."

"The instrumented mouthguards are made by Hemel Hempstead-based OPRO, the world’s leading provider of advanced gum shields, and they contain a tiny electronic chip that measures impacts and sends the data, in real time, to a receiving station that can be plugged into a team doctor’s laptop."

The Telegraph - "New mouthguards that help monitor concussion to be worn by Ospreys and Cardiff Blues" 26th April, 2019

"Ospreys and Cardiff Blues players will wear special mouthguards measuring head data today [SAT] in the latest trial to improve safety around concussion in rugby union."

"Produced by leading manufacturer OPRO, the mouthguards contain miniature electronic chips that will send data measuring head impacts to the laptop of each team's doctor in real-time during matches or training sessions, whereas previously that data could only be accessed afterwards."

The PHA Group - "How to make the most of the growing interest in women’s sport" 17th April, 2019

"The growing interest and investment in women’s sport also presents a major opportunity for brands, and it is one that we have been able to capitalise on for a number of our clients. OPRO, the maker of the world’s most technically advanced mouthguards, is the official mouthguard partner of a number of professional sporting organisations including England Rugby, the UFC and Great Britain Hockey."

The Guardian - "Jordan Thomas: ‘I can go forward and create my own history. I make my own story’" 27th March, 2019

"It was in 2016 when Jordan Thomas won a karate world championship in Austria, that he knew his destiny was firmly in his hands long before he put them to devastating use.

“Early in 2016 my first status on Facebook was: ‘This is a year of business’,” he says. “I won the European bronze medal in May. Then I put a post up that said: ‘I am coming.’ I felt it, that it was meant to be, everything was coming together. For me it was not if, it was when.”

Stockport Grammar School - "Pupils welcome Double World Taekwondo Champion" 20th March, 2019

"Pupils had a wonderful visit from Great Britain Double World Taekwondo Champion Bianca Walkden as she hopes to inspire the next generation of sporting superstars. The visit saw her lead a training session for pupils, allowing them to learn first-hand from someone who has reached the pinnacle of their sport. The opportunity was arranged by Bianca’s mouth guard provider, OPRO."

Independent - "From PT to professional England Women's star: Vicky Fleetwood explains how professional deals helped Six Nations Grand Slam bid" 17th March, 2019

"What was even more eye-opening than the scoreline was the 10,545 record attendance that filled Exeter’s Sandy Park for match. It produced a passionate and partisan atmosphere that helped spur the Red Roses on to the landslide win, and when comparing the two, Fleetwood admits that there is something special when England Women take their games on the road away from Twickenham to stand in their own right."

Sports Insight - "OPRO sign Danny Roberts as UFC brand ambassador" 11th March, 2019

"OPRO, the world’s largest manufacturer of the most technically advanced mouthguard, have signed UFC Welterweight star, Danny Roberts, as their first ever UFC brand ambassador.

The partnership with Danny forms part of OPRO’s ambitious plans to continue to grow their presence in the combat sports market, cementing their position not only as the mouthguard of MMA, but also of combat sports as a whole."

Daily Mail - "'Vicky Fleetwood believes there is more to come from England after fine form" 9th March, 2019

"England star Vicky Fleetwood has her eyes on a Grand Slam as she prepares to make her 2019 Six Nations bow against Italy on Saturday - in front of what is set to be a competition record crowd of more than 10,000 at Exeter’s Sandy Park."

I News- "England Star Vicky Fleetwood Says Women’s Rugby Has All The Answers " 8th March, 2019

"Vicky Fleetwood has heard all the questions before. But the England flanker is thankful that she doesn’t hear them nearly as often as she used to. They are questions about women’s rugby that, in Fleetwood’s words, stem from the “ignorance” surrounding the game.

InTouch Rugby - "OPRO sign England star as rugby brand ambassador" 26th February, 2019

"OPRO have been involved with the sport of Rugby for over 21 years, which is reflected in their partnerships with over 40 professional rugby teams and associations including England Rugby, New Zealand Rugby and Australia Rugby. The partnership with Vicky further demonstrates OPRO’s dedication to engaging, educating and inspiring all those who love the game."

Talking Rugby Union - "OPRO sign England star as rugby brand ambassador" 26th February, 2019

"Vicky, who has an impressive 65 caps for England and who is also a qualified Personal Trainer, joins Great Britain Women’s Hockey Olympic gold medallist, Shona McCallin, double Taekwondo World Champion, Bianca Walkden and British Karate world champion, Jordan Thomas, as an OPRO ambassador."

Sports Insignt - "OPRO sign England star as rugby brand ambassador" 25th February, 2019

"Vicky, who has an impressive 65 caps for England and who is also a qualified Personal Trainer, joins Great Britain Women’s Hockey Olympic gold medallist, Shona McCallin, double Taekwondo World Champion, Bianca Walkden and British Karate world champion, Jordan Thomas, as an OPRO ambassador."

Forbes.com - "How A Mouthguard Maker Came To Dominate The Market" 11th February, 2019

"Formed in 1997 by dentist Dr Anthony Lovatt, OPRO – short for oral protection – have become the undisputed world leaders in producing custom-fit mouthguards for everyone from amateurs to world-class professionals such as May and his team-mates. The company is the official mouthguard partner of England Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, Australia Rugby, GB Hockey, 11 AVIVA Rugby Premiership Rugby teams, UFC, and GB Taekwondo among others and to date have sold over 10 million mouthguards worldwide."

Daily Mail - "'Getting silver feels like a loss for me': Rio 2016 medallist Bianca Walkden on breaking records, inspiring girls to take up sport and why she can win taekwondo gold at Tokyo 2020" 13th January, 2019

Rio 2016 bronze medallist Bianca Walkden is confident she can make history in 2019 after ending a challenging 12 months with taekwondo grand slam gold. An astonishing 2017 saw her win every elite competition she entered – in the process being nominated for Sports Personality of the Year – but 2018 proved a more difficult year amid a change of coach in January and a higher profile within the sport.

Liverpool Echo - "World champion Bianca Walkden on target to make taekwondo history for Great Britain" 11th January, 2019

Just your average West-Derby girl, a couple of months away from making taekwondo history for Great Britain. Bianca Walkden shot to fame in 2017 when she was nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in her hometown of Liverpool after striking bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

BBC - "Bianca Walkden dreams of inspiring 100,000 girls to take up martial arts" 10th January, 2019

"Taekwondo world champion Bianca Walkden is on a mission - to persuade 100,000 girls to take up the martial art. The 27-year-old from Liverpool, who became a double world champion in December, wants others to follow in her footsteps."

FIBA Basketball- "OPRO mouthguards ensuring on the court safety for IBF beneficiaries" 12th November, 2018

MIES – The Equipment & Venue Centre’s most recent partner, the mouthguard company OPRO has become the official supplier of the International Basketball Foundation (IBF) for its CSR projects.

Canadian Lacrosse Association - "OPRO sign long-term partnership with Canadian Lacrosse Association" 10th April, 2019

"OPRO, the world’s largest manufacturer of the most technically advanced mouthguard, today announced their official partnership with the Canadian Lacrosse Association, the national governing body for Lacrosse in Canada."

Sports Industry Biz- "OPRO EXTENDS WITH NZ RUGBY" 6th November, 2018

Specialist UK sports protection manufacturer OPRO has announced the extension of its long-term partnership agreement with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) as the All Blacks prepare to take on England at Twickenham this weekend.

BBC Sport - OPRO Ambassador Jordan Thomas: How salsa dancing helped GB’s karate world champion fight back 6th November, 2018

OPRO Ambassador Jordan Thomas speaks with BBC Sport ss he prepares to defend his world -67kg kumite title in Madrid on Wednesday. 

The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2018: how it feels to be England’s top female try-scorer, by rugby star Danielle Waterman 28th October, 2018

"The youngest player to join the England rugby side, Waterman reveals how she went from washing her knees in the sink to World Cup glory."

Sports Insight - "OPRO Announce Partnership with USA Taekwondo" 24th October, 2018

"USA Taekwondo has nine Olympic medals to their name, making them one of the most decorated nations in Taekwondo. As the official mouthguard partner, OPRO will help USA Taekwondo promote participation and development in the sport in the USA and ensure that it’s clubs and members have access to the very best protection for their teeth."

The Mercury News - "Concussions: Stanford researchers use high-tech mouth guards to study head trauma in young athletes" 22nd October, 2018

The new Stanford research project is the nation’s first study in youth to measure rotation and full motion of the head during impacts, according to co-principal investigator and concussion expert David Camarillo, assistant professor of bioengineering. While his team previously has studied concussion in Stanford athletes and National Football League players, they sought to learn more about the consequences in the developing brain. An estimated 4 million teenagers and children play the sport, raising concerns about long-term cognitive impact.

Sports insights- "USA Wrestling Announces Partnership with OPRO" 19th October, 2018

"OPRO is an Official Sponsor of USA Wrestling through the 2021 season. The sponsorship designates OPRO as the Official Mouthguard of USA Wrestling."

Wrestling USA- "USA Wrestling announces partnership with OPRO OPRO, the world’s largest mouthguard manufacturer, is an Official Sponsor of USA Wrestling" 19th October, 2018

"USA Wrestling is proud to announce that OPRO, the world’s largest manufacturer of the most technically advanced mouth guard, will be an official sponsor through the 2021 season. The sponsorship designates OPRO as the Official Mouthguard of USA Wrestling."

STANFORD MEDICINE - "OPRO partners with Stanford University concussion researchers studying head motion in high school football hits" 15th October, 2018

"Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine are collaborating with football teams at three Bay Area high schools to understand how hits to the head cause concussions in young players." 

ISPORT CONNECT - "England Lacrosse Name OPRO As Mouthguard Provider" 31st August, 2018

"England Lacrosse has agreed to an official partnership with mouthguard manufacturer, OPRO. Under the terms of the deal, the company will supply mouthguards to players at all levels to help protect their teeth and gums during matches."

Sport Industry Group - "WOODEN SPOON GETS OPRO SUPPORT" 23rd August, 2018

"As part of the deal, OPRO will provide support for two world record attempts aiming to raise funds for the charity, whose mission is to transform the lives of children and young people with a disability or facing disadvantage through the power of the sport."

SA Hockey - "The partnership comes at an exciting time for South African Hockey" 8th August, 2018

"OPRO, the world’s largest manufacturer of the most technically advanced mouthguard, today announced a new partnership with South African Hockey and the CTM Premier Hockey League."

Licensing.biz - "Opro signs new partnership deal with USA Rugby ahead of World Cup" 18th July, 2018

"The company will now be supplying the Men’s and Women’s national teams with specially designed USA Rugby branded mouthguards, which will be made available for purchase to USA Rugby members and fans."

Sport Industry Group - "WALKDEN SIGNS AS OPRO AMBASSADOR" 31st May, 2018

“Bianca joins Great Britain women’s hockey Olympic gold medallist, Shona McCallin, former England women’s rugby player, Danielle Waterman, and British karate world champion, Jordan Thomas as an OPRO ambassador."

THE SCOTTISH SUN - "Karate Kid Jordan Thomas using Salsa and Ballet to Boost 2020 Olympic Gold hopes for Team GB" 28th March, 2018

“Not many karate champions would admit to being a ballroom dance star in their spare time but Euro and world champ Jordan Thomas is not like many people.” "The 26-year-old 2020 Olympic hopeful chose his exclusive SunSport interview to reveal he was running the risk of adding ‘Billy Elliot’ to his long-standing ‘Karate Kid’ nickname."

Sports Insight - "Opro And England And Gb Hockey Announce Partnership Extension" 19th March, 2018

“Jonathan Cockcroft, Commercial Director at England and Great Britain Hockey, said: “It is fantastic to be able to continue our partnership with OPRO. With a mouthguard being such a crucial piece of equipment for all hockey players in our sport we are glad to be working with the leading manufacturer in the market.”

Isport Connect - "Opro Renews Partnership With England And GB Hockey Until 2021" 19th March, 2018

“OPRO has announced the renewal of their partnership with England and GB Hockey until 2021. As part of the agreement, OPRO will supply mouthguards to the men’s and women’s Under 16s, Under 18s, Under 21s, and Senior Squads. ”

Sports Insight - "Danielle Waterman And Jordan Thomas Become Opro Ambassadors" 16th March, 2018

“Alongside Great Britain Women’s Hockey Olympic gold medallist, Shona McCallin, the deal will see Danielle and Jordan promoting the benefits and safety of using mouthguards while inspiring others to get involved in their respective sports.” 

Sports Industry Group - "Opro Names New Ambassadors" 1st March, 2018

“OPRO has announced the signings of England women’s rugby player, Danielle Waterman (pictured above, central), and British karate world champion, Jordan Thomas, as brand ambassadors.” 

Scottish Rugby Blog - "Stash Corner: Opro Platinum Mouthguards" 16th February, 2018

“Mouthguards…I think you’re either for them or not. Science would tell us they “Act like a shock absorber, both spreading the force over a larger area and increasing the time for the peak force to occur. Dissipating the energy of the blow over a larger area and longer time reduces its effect preventing or vastly reducing any injury”. Or basically…you’re less likely to get your teeth knocked out.”

Financial Times - "My First Million: Dr Anthony Lovat, mouthguard mogul" 3rd February, 2018

“Former dentist Anthony Lovat, 59, founded his company OPRO (Oral Protection) making custom-fit mouthguards in 1997 after becoming disillusioned with his chosen career. Today, OPRO’s technically innovative products are in demand by schools, clubs and professional sports teams, including the New Zealand All Blacks and the England rugby union team.”

The Rugby Blog - "WIN A Six Nations Mouthguard From OPRO" 6th February, 2018

“The Rugby Blog is excited to offer all readers the chance to win one of 5 Six Nations themed OPRO Power-fit Mouthguards.”

Talking Rugby Union - "Win a OPRO Power-Fit Mouthguard" 31st January, 2018

“Launched this January, it offers an innovative and immediate solution for those looking for the protection levels of a custom fit mouthguard, with the ease of fitting a self-fit product via the boil and bite method.”

Daily Express - "OPRO’S new Power-Fit mouthguard uses latest tech to tackle combat sports trauma problems" 24th January, 2018

“The Power-Fit (£30) comes with an adjustable, cage-shaped device, developed and patented by the company, that applies balanced pressures as it follows the contours of your mouth and teeth, so the self-fitting mouthguards are easier and more comfortable to wear. ”

Sports Insight - "OPRO to launch ground-breaking mouthguard with patented technology and fitting device" 11th January, 2018

“After years of research and development by OPRO, the introduction of the patented ‘Power Cage’ - the fitting device which applies perfectly balanced pressure over the entire surface of the mouthguard during the fitting process and provides phenomenal fit.”

Sunday Express - "Mouthguard maker OPRO gets its teeth into UFC" 18th December, 2017

“BRITISH mouth guards manufacturer OPRO has struck a major licensing deal with UFC, the global mixed martial arts giant, to supply its athletes and events with branded oral protection.”

Blood & Mud - "Win yourself an OPRO PLATINUM MOUTHGUARD" 10th December, 2017

“With the addition of OPRO’s patented fitting cradle, the fitting process is not only incredibly simple, but provides precision like no other, the maintenance of minimum thickness between top and bottom teeth critical to impact absorption and protection.”

British Boxing Blog - "GUMSHIELD GIVEAWAY" 5th December, 2017

“With over 20 years of experience and know-how behind the unique anatomical shape of OPRO’s self-fit mouthguards, OPRO Platinum is the ultimate self-fit elite level mouthguard.”

Talking Rugby Union - "Win an OPRO Platinum Mouthguard" 30th November, 2017

“With over 20 years of experience and know-how behind the unique anatomical shape of OPRO’s self-fit mouthguards, OPRO Platinum is the ultimate self-fit elite level mouthguard.”

Intouch Rugby - "OPRO announce licensing partnership with England Rugby" 13th November, 2017

“OPRO has had a partnership with England Rugby since 2012 and as part of the new agreement, OPRO has been granted the rights for a further 4 years – taking in the 2019 Rugby World Cup – to produce special England Rugby branded mouthguards, as well as being the official mouthguard of England Rugby and the official supplier to the CBRE All Schools programme.”

Sunday Woman - "CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR TEEN GIRLS 2017" 9th November, 2017

“Whether she plays football, rugby or hockey, she’ll love these original gum shields from OPRO. Generously sized, we’d trailled them to fit around braces and they worked perfectly. With a range of designs, they really stand out and add a little glamour to the pitch. A great stocking filler.”

Love Rugby League - "The Ultimate Self-Fit Elite Level Mouthguard" 8th November, 2017

“Once moulded, the Platinum mouthguard provides excellent protection for teeth and gums from injury during any ball, stick or combat sport, with no shortage on comfort and ultimate protection.”

Licensing Today Worldwide - "OPRO teams for branded mouthguards" 1st November, 2017

“OPRO has been granted the rights for three years, and is also the official mouthguard of the National Championships and the All Star game. OPRO will provide mouthguards to every player and team who participate at the National Championships finals 2017-2021, meaning more than 20,000 mouthguards will be donated.”

Intouch Rugby - "OPRO announce partnership with 11 AVIVA Premiership Rugby teams" 30th October, 2017

“OPRO chief executive officer David Allen said. “This partnership with UFC reflects our continued growth in the combat sports market and we look forward to working with them as we kit out more and more UFC athletes with OPRO guards.”

Sports Industry Group - "UFC ANNOUNCES GLOBAL OPRO DEAL" 26th October, 2017

“OPRO chief executive officer David Allen said. “This partnership with UFC reflects our continued growth in the combat sports market and we look forward to working with them as we kit out more and more UFC athletes with OPRO guards.”

Fighters Only - "UFC announces global licensing partnership with OPRO" 25th October, 2017

“OPRO has been a world-renowned manufacturer of mouthguards for more than 20 years and we are thrilled to launch this new global partnership,” said Tracey Bleczinski, the UFC’s Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products.”

Sport Insight - "UFC and OPRO sign licensing agreement" 25th October, 2017

“This partnership with UFC reflects our continued growth in the combat sports market and we look forward to working with them as we kit out more and more UFC athletes with OPRO guards.”

iSport Connect - "UFC announces global licensing partnership with Opro" 25th October, 2017

“The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced a new multi-year global licensing agreement with OPRO, the world’s largest manufacturer of mouthguards. The agreement, which begins in 2018, grants the oral protection company the rights to produce UFC branded mouthguards and provide bespoke guards to UFC athletes.”

Licensing.BIZ - "UFC announces global partnership with OPRO" 24th October, 2017

“Premier mixed martial arts organisation UFC has announced a new multi-year partnership with mouthguard manufacturer OPRO.”

My MMA News - "UFC ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH OPRO MOUTHGUARDS" 24th October, 2017

“OPRO has ambitious international expansion plans for the coming years, and partnering with another hugely progressive and pioneering brand who are growing exponentially all over the world, particularly in key markets for us such as Asia and the Americas, is truly exciting”

INTOUCH RUGBY - "The Ultimate Self-Fit Elite Level Mouthguard" 23rd October, 2017

"With the addition of OPRO’s patented fitting cradle, the fitting process is not only incredibly simple, but provides precision like no other, the maintenance of minimum thickness between top and bottom teeth critical to impact absorption and protection."