World Rugby Announces Capgemini As Fourth Worldwide Partner

World Rugby has announced Capgemini as a Worldwide Partner of the Rugby World Cup 2023, in a wide-ranging deal which will also see the latter become World Rugby’s Global Digital Transformation Partner.

The announcement deepens Capgemini’s relationship with World Rugby’s major properties, building on an existing Global Innovation Partnership for the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Under the new deal, Capgemini will ‘harness its innovation and technology expertise’ to enrich the tournament experience for millions of fans in stadia, as well as those viewing on broadcast and digital platforms.

As World Rugby’s Global Digital Transformation Partner, Capgemini will play its full role in enabling the international federation to achieve key strands of its recently-announced strategic plan and player welfare advancement strategy, delivering innovative digital solutions to support the growth of the sport at all levels.

The IT company will also become the presenting partner of the men’s and women’s World Rugby Rankings and the World Rugby Team of the Year at the World Rugby Awards.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “We are delighted to be expanding our relationship with Capgemini and welcoming them as one of our six Worldwide Partners for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

“This partnership is much deeper than a brand association, this is a purpose-driven relationship between our two organisations that share many common values. It reflects our ambition to keep innovating and deepen our relationship with fans, enriching their experience by embracing new technology and digital platforms. Capgemini is the perfect partner to help us deliver this shared vision.

“With two years to go until France 2023 kicks off, we are in great shape. Preparations are on track. Our Worldwide Partner commercial programme is attracting new partners like Capgemini and we are confident that it will be the most impactful and sustainable Rugby World Cup ever staged and a spectacular celebration of rugby and its values in the sport’s 200th year.”

Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini Aiman Ezzat added: “At Capgemini we share the values of the rugby community; passion, team spirit and diversity are common key drivers for us both. I am thrilled that Capgemini will bring its deep expertise in innovation, digital and  technology to enrich the experience of one of the major global sporting events of 2023. This new worldwide partnership reflects the international breadth and diversity of the Capgemini Group on the global stage.”

Capgemini has become the fourth Rugby World Cup France 2023 Worldwide Partner, with Societe Generale, Mastercard, and Asahi already on board for the showcase event.

Meanwhile, World Rugby has also announced that some 1 million tickets have already been sold to fans around the world. The federation will celebrate the two years to go milestone on 8th September with a match between host nation France and New Zealand at the Stade de France.