- May 25, 2022
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Capgemini becomes Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup France 2023
Capgemini also joins World Rugby as its Digital Transformation Partner. New three year-partnership means Capgemini is currently the only company to sponsor both the International Federation and two of World Rugby’s major international competitions: Rugby World Cup 2023 and the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
[Photo: L-R, Alan Gilpin, World Rugby CEO, Sir Bill Beaumont,
World Rugby Chairman, and Aiman Ezzat Capgemini, Group CEO, pose in front of
the Rugby World Cup trophy on September 6, in Paris. (Photo by Aurelien
Meunier/Getty Images)]
World Rugby has announced a new partnership that will see
Capgemini join the Worldwide Partners family for Rugby World Cup 2023 in
France, two days before the anticipated ‘two years to go’ milestone. Capgemini
also becomes World Rugby’s Global Digital Transformation Partner as part of a
new three year-partnership agreement.
The worldwide partnership, that will help the growth of the
sport across the globe, is a natural next chapter in Capgemini’s rugby story.
Its deep heritage in the game began with the Group’s founder, the late Serge
Kampf, who was a lifelong rugby fan and sponsor of the sport. More than 30
years ago Capgemini supported French domestic clubs and was Official Technology
and Consulting sponsor for Rugby World Cup 2007 in France. Furthermore,
Capgemini is currently the Global Innovation Partner for the HSBC World Rugby
Sevens Series among other commitments.
Rugby World Cup France 2023 is already capturing the
imagination of fans around the world and is set to be the major attraction in
the sporting calendar that year, bringing the rugby family and new fans
together for a celebration of 200 years of the sport. Capgemini will work with
France 2023 to enhance the tournament’s unforgettable moments on and off the
field.
As a global company based in 50 countries, with
well-established operations across major rugby heartlands such as England,
Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy and a growing footprint in
Asia-Pacific markets that include passionate rugby nations such as Australia,
New Zealand and Japan, as well as in Argentina, Capgemini will promote the
tournament across all its international locations. This sponsorship embodies
many of Capgemini’s core brand values, in particular team spirit and fun. With
its diverse global fanbase, rugby is fully aligned with Capgemini’s conviction
that it is through true diversity of thought and approach that the most
innovative solutions are developed, and value is created.
Through its deep technology expertise, Capgemini will support
the tournament’s management systems and play an instrumental role in the
delivery of results including the men’s and women’s World Rugby Rankings. In
addition, over the coming three years, Capgemini will work with World Rugby to
enhance the digital experience for fans and coaches by applying its
market-leading capabilities in data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) and
cloud.
World Rugby Chief Executive, Alan Gilpin, said: “We
are delighted to be expanding our relationship with Capgemini and welcoming
them as one of our six Worldwide Partners for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
“This partnership is much deeper than a brand association,
this is a purpose-driven relationship between our two organizations that share
many common values. It reflects our ambition to keep innovating and deepen our
relationship with fans, enriching their experience by embracing new technology
and digital platforms. Capgemini is the perfect partner to help us deliver this
shared vision.
“With two years to go until France 2023 kicks off, we are in
great shape. Preparations are on track. Our worldwide partner commercial
program is attracting new partners like Capgemini and we are confident that it
will be the most impactful and sustainable Rugby World Cup ever staged and a spectacular
celebration of rugby and its values in the sport’s 200th year.”
Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini,
said: “At Capgemini we share the values of the rugby community; passion, team
spirit and diversity are common key drivers for us both. I am thrilled that
Capgemini will bring its deep expertise in innovation, digital and technology
to enrich the experience of one of the major global sporting events of 2023.
This new worldwide partnership reflects the international breadth and diversity
of the Capgemini Group on the global stage.”
With World Rugby recently announcing its roadmap for the
next five years, the international federation is experiencing record levels of
interest for commercial partnerships across its properties. Capgemini has
joined Societe Generale, Mastercard and Asahi at the top-tier level of
Worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup 2023.
On September 8, the global rugby family celebrated two years
to go before the first game of Rugby World Cup 2023 opposing the host nation
France to New Zealand at the iconic Stade de France. One million tickets have
already been sold to fans around the world, confirming the appeal of rugby’s
biggest tournament.
Claude Atcher, France 2023 CEO, said: “As the
organizational model for international sporting events continues to evolve, the
role of key strategic partners has never been more important. We look forward
to working with Capgemini to optimize the technological services of France
2023, and in so doing contribute to the overall success and legacy of this
Rugby World Cup.”
Press release by Capgemini