Natixis to Title Sponsor Hong Kong Football Club

Natixis, the corporate, investment management and financial services arm of Groupe BPCE, have announced its title sponsorship of the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) Rugby Section for the next three seasons, from 2014/15 to 2016/17.

The partnership includes all teams representing HKFC Rugby in the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) leagues, including Club, Dragons, Scorpions, Select, Sequins, Bulls, Expendables, Contemptibles and Vandals; the Ladies’ teams, Ice and Fire; and the Youth and Mini sections.

Natixis’ name will be prefixed to the names of the teams and its logo will feature on the jerseys of all players and coaches for the three seasons.

Francois Riahi, Chief Executive Officer Natixis Wholesale Banking, Asia Pacific, said, “We are delighted to partner with HKFC, one of Hong Kong’s most reputable sports institutions. Natixis has long been a great supporter of rugby in France, sponsoring French Top-14 rugby league club Racing Metro 92’s since 2007. Our partnership with HKFC Rugby Section marks a significant step in the extension of our support for rugby to Asia, and reinforces our investment in the Natixis Rugby Cup, which will be held in Hong Kong for the second year running this November.”

Francois Riahi added: “Natixis shares many of rugby’s core values, including teamwork, commitment and perseverance. Our partnership with HKFC Rugby Section reflects these values, and demonstrates our dedication to grow in the Asia Pacific region, in terms of both clients and staff.”

The Hong Kong Football Club was founded in 1886, and held the first ever game of rugby inHong Kong that same year. The club remains a driving force in Asian rugby, boasting around 3,000 members across all sports and regularly hosting a number of world class events including the annual Hong Kong Rugby Tens tournament.

“Natixis is a prestigious global player in the financial services sector and a long-time supporting sponsor of team sports. We are proud to play under their name for the 2014/2015 to 2016/2017 seasons,” said David Nazer, HKFC Rugby spokesman. “Natixis has a history of working with partners to host successful sporting events; so we look forward to cooperating with Natixis and further promoting rugby in Asia.”