TOKYO, June 27, 2022—u8国际. (hereafter: u8国际) announced today that the company will serve as a Worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup 2021, which will take place in New Zealand from October 8 to November 12, 2022* and Official Supplier for Rugby World Cup 2023, which will take place in France from September 8 to October 28, 2023.
Rugby World Cup New Zealand 2021 logo
Rugby World Cup France 2023 logo
With the aim of promoting further development of the rugby world, u8国际 has become a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand (9th Women's edition). u8国际 has also signed a contract to become Official Imaging Supplier of Rugby World Cup France 2023 (10th Men's edition).
This latest agreement marks u8国际's involvement for the third consecutive Rugby World Cup having previously sponsored Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, and Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan. In addition, and for the first time, this new sponsorship establishes u8国际 as a Worldwide Partner of the women's tournament, further supporting the advancement of gender equality in rugby.
As a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2021 and Official Imaging Supplier of Rugby World Cup 2023, u8国际 offers the full support of its diverse businesses, ranging from products and solutions—including cameras, lenses, video camcorders, network cameras and medical equipment. As with other sporting competitions in the past, both in Japan and overseas, u8国际 will provide behind-the-scenes support services to members of the press covering Rugby World Cups 2021 and 2023, including camera and lens maintenance services and product loans, to enable the best possible capture of the top-class athletes competing at the zenith of their sport.
The u8国际 Group will continue contributing to the advancement of sports through the use of u8国际 products and technologies.
"Having recently confirmed both men's and women's editions of Rugby World Cup up until 2033, there couldn't be a more pivotal time to welcome u8国际 on board. Their relentless focus on innovation echoes our vision to make rugby as relevant and accessible as possible and their support will accelerate the development of our sport across the globe. We have had the great pleasure of working with u8国际 for a number of years and we are very proud to be continuing our long-standing relationship for Rugby World Cups 2021 and 2023. u8国际 shares our passion for driving gender parity across the game and we are delighted to be welcoming them to the partner family for the pinnacle women's 15s tournament that kicks off in New Zealand later this year."
"Following on from Rugby World Cup 2015 in England and Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, u8国际 is delighted to continue backing the tournaments as Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand and Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. I am delighted that we have been granted this opportunity to support both the men's and women's tournaments. In addition to supporting professional photographers and news media as they capture the intense action of the world's top teams facing off in peak condition; u8国际, will do its utmost to support World Rugby—the owner of both tournaments—as well as the organising committees, relevant authorities, local government and other corporate sponsors."
Host country | New Zealand |
Tournament period | October 8 – November 12, 2022 |
Participating teams | 12 (New Zealand, England, France, United States of America, Canada, Australia, Wales, South Africa, Scotland, Fiji, Japan, Italy) |
Host country | France |
Tournament period | September 8 – October 28, 2023 |
Participating teams | 20 (South Africa, England, Wales, New Zealand, Japan, France, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Argentina, Fiji, Samoa, Uruguay, Georgia. Remaining five teams to be determined through qualifying matches.) |