World Rugby Appoints Canterbury For Rwc
World Rugby has appointed Canterbury as the official apparel supplier of Rugby World Cup 2019, as well as a wider agreement with the sport’s global body.
The two-year deal, brokered by World Rugby’s global master licensee IMG, encompasses Rugby World Cup 2019, the World Rugby U20 Championship, elite 15s and Sevens match officials and World Rugby technical official apparel.
Under the deal, Canterbury will develop co-branded technical sports apparel collections for Rugby World Cup 2019, with the first official licensed merchandise going on sale later this year in host nation, Japan, and by the end of this year in the rest of the world.
The announcement extends Canterbury’s association with the Rugby World Cup to three tournaments and builds on the partnership as the official apparel supplier to the elite 15s and sevens match officials.
World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper said of the deal: “We are delighted to have secured a long-term partnership with Canterbury as apparel supplier for our suite of tournaments. World Rugby and Canterbury enjoy a successful Rugby World Cup relationship that stretches back to 2011, and we look forward to jointly developing a range of performance wear for our match official and technical staff and a great range of merchandise for fans.”
Kunio Morimoto, president of Canterbury, Japan said: “We are delighted to be part of Asia’s first Rugby World Cup as the Official Sports Apparel Supplier for 2019. We cannot wait to support the event with our leading products and extensive experience, and contribute to the continued growth and promotion of the sport. We are looking forward to welcoming the world’s most prestigious rugby tournament, Rugby World Cup 2019, to Asia for the very first time.”
Simon Rowe, head of sports marketing, Canterbury, added: “Canterbury’s vision to be the number one brand in rugby means we are extremely proud to extend the successful partnership with World Rugby and Rugby World Cup 2019. The road to Japan 2019 is an exciting time for Canterbury as we enhance our association with Rugby’s greatest tournament to deliver both on and off the field; with players, officials, staff, volunteers and rugby supporters all wearing the brand.”
