Coca-Cola Continue Long-Term Sponsorship of Rugby World Cup

Coca-Cola has been confirmed as the official soft drink of Rugby World Cup 2015, extending its sponsorship of the rugby event which began in 1995.

As part of the deal, the Coca-Cola Company will make its water (glacéau smartwater) and Powerade sports drink brand available to the competing 20 teams.

The brand will also have exclusive soft drink pourage rights at all Rugby World Cup 2015 venues and fan-zones.

The partnership was announced at an event in London as Coca-Cola unveiled former Ireland and British and Irish Lions star Brian O’Driscoll (pictured) as the brand’s ambassador for Rugby World Cup 2015.

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are delighted to be extending our long and successful partnership with Coca-Cola as official soft drink.”

“With rugby experiencing unprecedented growth around the world and Rugby World Cup playing a pivotal role in inspiring future fans and players we are delighted to be working with a brand that shares our passion for the sport and its character-building values.”

World Rugby Head of Commercial, Broadcast and Marketing Murray Barnett added: “The Coca-Cola Company is a long-term partner of World Rugby.

“It is a testament to the strength of Rugby World Cup, and rugby as a sport that Coca-Cola is continuing to support the tournament in 2015.”

General Manager of the Coca-Cola team for Rugby World Cup 2015, Paul Dwan said: “Rugby World Cup 2015 looks set to be the biggest ever; we’re delighted to be a part of it to celebrate the excitement and passion the tournament will generate.

“The game enjoys fantastic support and we hope that through our sponsorship we can bring rugby to an even wider audience next year.”

O’Driscoll added: “I’m really excited to be working with Coca-Cola for Rugby World Cup 2015 and see this as an opportunity to bring the game to a wider audience.

“As a former professional sportsman, I’m a passionate believer in the importance of leading an active, healthy lifestyle and understanding the benefits of physical activity.

“I believe we can really harness the excitement of rugby in 2015 to inspire people to move more.”