Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has announced the re-appointment of MasterCard as a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, completing the prestigious tournament partner programme in record time and with record value.
The deal maintains a highly-successful partnership between one of the world’s biggest sporting events and the global payments technology leader which debuted at the record-breaking New Zealand 2011 tournament.
MasterCard will be the Preferred Card and Official Payment System of Rugby World Cup 2015, which will provide a global stage to celebrate Rugby, its character-building values and the host nation, while delivering the strong financial platform for continued Rugby growth.
RWCL Managing Director Brett Gosper said: “We are excited to be renewing our highly-successful partnership with MasterCard, a globally renowned brand, a world leader in the payments technology sector and a true supporter of Rugby worldwide.”
“We look forward to collaborating with MasterCard to further the promotion of Rugby around the world through the Rugby World Cup 2015 partnership to inspire new participants and fans and look forward to what promises to be an exceptional England 2015 event on and off the field.”
“MasterCard’s appointment completes a record-breaking Rugby World Cup 2015 Worldwide Partner programme with all six global brands confirmed in record time and with record value, underscoring the enormous prestige of Rugby World Cup in the global sporting and business marketplaces and ensuring the profile and financial platforms for Rugby to continue its unprecedented growth.”
Ann Cairns, President of International Markets of MasterCard Worldwide, said: “We’re excited to extend our partnership with the world’s most prestigious and priceless Rugby event. Whether in the stands or watching from home, MasterCard will be bringing cardholders across the world closer to the action.”
To kick-off the partnership, New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup winner, world record point scorer and MasterCard Ambassador Dan Carter fine-tuned his kicking on the River Thames by kicking at London’s biggest set of Rugby posts, Tower Bridge.
Carter said: “Kicking from the middle of the River Thames was special but the ultimate priceless experience will be pulling on my All Blacks jersey at Rugby World Cup 2015 in England. I’m really looking forward to working with MasterCard to give a priceless experience to fans.”
As part of the agreement, MasterCard secures a comprehensive rights and benefits package that allows the company to deliver value to customer financial institutions, merchants and cardholders, including the ability to access ‘Priceless’ experiences linked to Rugby World Cup 2015.
The announcement follows the appointment of Heineken, Land Rover, Société Générale, DHL and Emirates as Rugby World Cup 2015 Worldwide Partners, Gilbert as Official Ball Supplier, Canterbury of New Zealand as Official Sportswear Supplier and Clifford Chance as Official Law Firm.
