(PR.co.nz) Rugby World Cup Limited has announced the appointment of Land Rover as an Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and a top-level Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 in England.
Land Rover’s support of both tournaments extends the company’s strong association with the Game worldwide. In addition to sponsorship of the last three British & Irish Lions Tours to South Africa, New Zealand and Australia and sponsorship of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, Land Rover has also enhanced its role of Official Vehicle of England Rugby, Premiership Rugby and the UK’s Land Rover Premiership Cup in recent years.
As part of the deal for RWC 2011 and RWC 2015, Land Rover will supply vehicles to support the organisers, teams and officials. It is the first time that the leading car manufacturer has been involved with Rugby’s showcase tournament.
Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Land Rover to the Rugby World Cup family. This long-term partnership with an internationally recognisable brand further enhances the enormous prestige and attraction of Rugby World Cup in the global market place.”
“Land Rover is a true champion of Rugby from community to elite level and we look forward to working closely with Land Rover to promote Rugby around the world across two tournaments that will position Rugby in new markets around the world, reaching out to new communities and audiences.”
John Edwards, Global Brand Director, Land Rover, added: “Today’s announcement marks a significant development in the partnership between Land Rover and Rugby. The Company is proud of its ongoing support of the sport from a grassroots level to the elite Game and it is fitting that the world’s finest all-terrain vehicles – sold in over 160 markets worldwide – are now supporting the world’s ultimate Rugby competition.”
“The International Olympic Committee’s decision to include Rugby in the Olympic Games from 2016 will have a hugely significant impact on the growth of the sport in emerging Rugby markets such as America, China and Asia. This global growth is also shown by the IRB’s decisions to host RWC Sevens 2013 in Russia and RWC 2019 in Japan.”
“It is exciting to be involved with the RWC and extend our partnership with Rugby in such an exciting period. The RWC 2011 and RWC 2015 deal offers Land Rover a fantastic opportunity to further engage with our customers and general sports fans across the globe.”
Commenting on Worldwide Partner status for RWC 2015 Edwards said: “We are also delighted to be confirmed as an Official Worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup 2015. Land Rover has been a long term investor in the development of the sport in the UK, so we are extremely excited to be furthering our association to the very highest level when the Tournament returns to England.”
The announcement of Land Rover as an Official Sponsor further enhances the multi-national flavour of commercial partners for Rugby World Cup 2011. The inventory comprises: Emirates Airline, MasterCard, Heineken, ANZ and DHL as Rugby World Cup 2011 Worldwide Partners; Brancott Estate, Toshiba and Land Rover as Official Sponsors; Licensing in Motion and RTH as Master Licencees; Canterbury as Official Sportswear Supplier; Gilbert Rugby as the Official Ball Supplier; Coca-Cola as Official Soft Drinks Supplier; Russell McVeagh as Official Law Firm and KPMG as Official Tournament Supplier of accounting and tax advisory services.
Media Release 24 November 2010 from Rugby World Cup 2011.