ESP Named As Rugby World Cup Master Licensee

An unprecedented selection of official Rugby World Cup 2015 merchandise will soon be available to purchase after Elite Sports Properties (ESP) have secured the event’s licensing rights.

After a global tender process, ESP received the exclusive global rights from the event’s owner, Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL).

The new merchandise will be available for purchase from May 2013, although fans in the UK will be able to preview the range in select stores.

ESP Director Rob Woodhouse said: “ESP is proud to be appointed as the Master Licensee for Rugby World Cup 2015. The tournament represents a significant opportunity for companies to engage with the world’s biggest sporting event in 2015 and an event that will really put Rugby on the map as a truly global sport with one of the most exciting and engaging major events.”

“ESP looks forward to playing an integral role in this process. We are already actively seeking expressions of interest from local and international companies who are interested in becoming an Official Licensee of the tournament.”

RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset added: “Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted to welcome on board Elite Sports Properties, one of the world’s foremost licensing and entertainment companies, as Master Licensee for Rugby World Cup 2015 in England.”

“The awarding of the master licensing rights is a key element of the Rugby World Cup 2015 commercial programme. We are delighted to see official merchandise on sale three years out from the event, providing fans with the opportunity to engage with Rugby’s premier event and purchase official product earlier than for any previous Rugby World Cup.”