World Rugby Extend HSBC Partnership for Sevens Series

June 30, 2015

World Rugby has agreed a four-year partnership extension with HSBC for its rugby sevens series.

The renewed deal will see the bank retain its title sponsorship of the World Rugby Sevens Series and also acquire naming rights to the Women’s World Rugby Sevens Series.

In addition to the two new series title sponsorships, symptoms the new agreement will also see HSBC as local title sponsor of the individual rounds.

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Rugby sevens is going from strength to strength ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the men’s and women’s series have been at the heart of the global sevens success story with their winning brand of high-octane, case competitive and broadcast- friendly action, illness global locations and festival atmosphere.

“HSBC has been central to the sevens success story and is totally aligned with our mission to attract and inspire new players and audiences. We are excited about this increased commitment and the certainty it provides over the next four years to grow our sport within existing and emerging rugby markets.”

Giles Morgan, Global Head of Sponsorship and Events, HSBC Holdings, said: “HSBC became the first-ever title sponsor of the men’s world series back in 2010, and we are excited to not only be extending this partnership for another four years, but also to become the first-ever title sponsor of the increasingly popular women’s world series.

“The Olympic decision has served as a tremendous catalyst for the growth of sevens around the world, not just in participation but also through the popularity of the HSBC Sevens World Series in recent years.”

New locations

World Rugby has also announced the full schedule for the 2015-16 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, with the addition of five new destinations; Sydney, Cape Town, Vancouver, Singapore and Paris, to go along with Dubai, Wellington, Las Vegas, Hong Kong and London.

Commenting on the schedule, World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper said: “Rugby sevens is experiencing record attendance, broadcast and commercial growth and is rapidly becoming a major driver of revenue for World Rugby to reinvest in the game.

“This schedule represents an exciting combination for World Rugby and one which we think will enable the sport to reach developing rugby markets, and therefore contribute to the continued growth of the game and its character-building values worldwide. It is great for players, great for fans and great for the ongoing prosperity and development of rugby sevens worldwide.”

{jcomments on}