RFU Expands Marriott Hotels Partnership

The Rugby Football Union has announced a new strategic partnership to expand and extend its existing relationship with Marriott Hotels & Resorts for the next four years, which will see the sponsor become the new title partner of the Marriott London Sevens and an Official Partner of England Rugby.

The deal follows the success of the London Sevens 2011 event, which saw more than 100,000 people attend across the two day tournament, and with the game of Sevens continuing to grow on a global basis ahead of its inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games.

The Marriott London Sevens 2012, as the event will now be named, is expected to be even bigger than previous years with London playing host to the final leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Sophie Goldschmidt, chief commercial officer Rugby Football Union said: ‘We’re delighted to be expanding our relationship with Marriott Hotels & Resorts for the next four years.’  

‘It’s an exciting time for rugby in England, with the Marriott London Sevens in May, the 2015 Rugby World Cup and numerous other events in between. We look forward to working with Marriott to bring new opportunities to our fans and Marriott Hotels & Resorts guests.’

Osama Hirzalla, Vice President Brand Marketing and Ecommerce for Marriott International in Europe added: ‘We are thrilled to build on our existing relationship with the Rugby Football Union with this new strategic alliance.’ 

‘Already having a hotel within Twickenham Stadium itself, this new partnership cements Marriott’s support of England Rugby and gives exposure for our brand to a wider audience. The RFU and Marriott Hotels & Resorts are both brands that are defined by performance, excellence and passion, so this partnership is a perfect match.’

The RFU also recently announced the appointment of sportswear company Canterbury as its new official kit partner, replacing long-term sponsor Nike in September 2012, in a deal that will run until beyond the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.