UnderArmour has won the heart of the Welsh Rugby Union, the Baltimore company announced this Valentine’s Day.

UA will be outfitting players and support staff in a major across-the-pond coup (take that, Reebok!).

This is the latest in a series of international developments for CEO Kevin Plank’s sports apparel company.

The British press is stating that the four-year deal could be worth about $20 million to WRU, the BBJ reports.

From the release:

“We were enormously impressed by UnderArmour’s story and product,” said Roger Lewis, WRU Group Chief Executive. “The technology involved with UnderArmour products demonstrates an innovative and forward-thinking company that is very cutting edge.”

The brand has an official supplier agreement with New Zealand side Canterbury RFU and has developed significant club, athlete, and sports governing body partnerships across the major UK sports of rugby, football and cricket.

…[UA] is committed to working towards further integration into European sport by converting rugby, football, cricket, ice hockey and handball players to the high-tech performance wear that has made Under Armour an integral part of an athlete’s performance.

JACKIE SAUTER, Web Editor

Gov. Martin O’Malley wants to expand how Maryland uses DNA to fight crime. As of now, the state only takes samples from convicted felons. O’Malley would like to see that expanded to people arrested for violent crimes and burglary. All of this makes sense, of course, but I couldn’t help but notice one of the crimes listed that the governor wants to require DNA samples for.

Sandwiched in between manslaughter and maiming (two clear-cut offenses) is the crime of all crimes: mayhem. That’s right, folks, mayhem.

In my days as a hellion teenager (you can see the demon seed beginning to sprout in my childhood picture posted on reporter Robbie Whelan’s K-9 blog) I committed many offenses that now, apparently, are DNA-worthy. I mean, instigating anarchy, chaos and, yes, mayhem kept me going through those difficult years. Sorry, Afterschool Special, but you just didn’t get through to me.

So here’s a warning to any wayward youth out there: I know how you feel, but mayhem isn’t the answer.

Francis Smith, Special Publications Assistant Editor

Andy Rosen wrote for our print edition today about the “harsh response” in Annapolis to a bill that would ban special tax districts.

One affected project would be the Charles Street Trolley proposal, which relies (in part) on funding from a property tax surcharge on homeowners in a special tax district near the site.

Here’s what some Charles Street business owners and managers had to say about the trolley proposal and what it would cost.

JACKIE SAUTER, Web Editor

Video shot and edited by Brett Keller

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