World Rugby seeking global sports apparel supplier

World Rugby, and its global master licensee IMG, have started the consultation process to select a global sports apparel supplier for all rugby competitions from 2021-2024.

World Rugby global sports apparel supplier

World Rugby Commercial Director Tom Hill said: “We are delighted to be kicking off this important process with IMG, our global master licensee. The selection of the right apparel supplier is key to projecting the sport, engaging with fans and growing revenues for reinvestment in the sport.

Given the prestige of the properties this agreement will cover, the success of the apparel programme at RWC 2019 in Japan, and excitement around France 2023, this is an attractive and lucrative proposition for interested parties – one that will directly support the growth of rugby worldwide.”

The newly appointed supplier will also have the rights for the first time to all of World Rugby’s international competitions, including Rugby World Cup 2021 and 2023.

RWC 2021 takes place in New Zealand this year for the women, while RWC 2023 will take place in France for the men.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, saw sales of the 2019 tournament’s licensed products and merchandise outperform 2015’s by more than 40 per cent claims World Rugby.

Mickael Andreo, VP of Licensing, IMG, said: “Rugby is enjoying unprecedented worldwide growth across male, female and youth participation after Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan broke a multitude of records in one of the most impactful and ground-breaking tournaments in the game’s history.

We are looking forward to taking this opportunity to market as we believe it represents a singular opportunity for brands aiming to position themselves as the authority in the rugby space.”

Asia Rugby appoints World Flair as Official Kit and Apparel Supplier for four years

In October 2020, Asia Rugby appointed World Flair as the Official Kit and Apparel Supplier for all tournaments in Asia until 2024.

We previously spoke to several Asian-based rugby apparel manufacturers about their pivot during COVID-19 – will they bid to be the World Rugby global sports apparel supplier?

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