World Rugby has announced the appointment of Canterbury to become the official sports apparel supplier of Rugby World Cup 2019 and World Rugby.
The two-year deal encompasses Rugby World Cup 2019, the World Rugby U20 Championship, elite 15s and sevens match officials and World Rugby technical official apparel.
Under the deal, brokered by World Rugby's master licensee IMG, Canterbury will develop unique co-branded technical sports apparel collections for Rugby World Cup 2019, with the first official licensed merchandise going on sale from September in Japan and by the end of the year for the rest of the world.
The announcement extends Canterbury’s association with Rugby World Cup to three tournaments and builds on the successful partnership as the official apparel supplier to World Rugby's elite 15s and sevens match officials.
World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Canterbury as sports apparel supplier for Rugby World Cup and World Rugby. World Rugby and Canterbury enjoy a successful Rugby World Cup relationship that stretches back to 2011, and we look forward to jointly developing a range of performance wear for our match officials, technical staff and a great range of merchandise for fans.”
Kunio Morimoto, President of Canterbury, Japan, said: “We are delighted to be part of Asia’s first Rugby World Cup as the official sports apparel supplier for 2019. We cannot wait to support the event with our leading products and extensive experience, and contribute to the continued growth and promotion of the sport. We are looking forward to welcoming the world’s most prestigious rugby tournament, Rugby World Cup 2019, to Asia for the very first time.”
Simon Rowe, Head of Sports Marketing, Canterbury, said: “Canterbury’s vision to be the number one brand in rugby means we are extremely proud to extend the successful partnership with World Rugby and Rugby World Cup 2019. The road to Japan 2019 is an exciting time for Canterbury as we enhance our association with rugby’s greatest tournament to deliver both on and off the field, with players, officials, staff, volunteers and rugby supporters all wearing the brand.”
Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing, IMG, said: “With Canterbury having over 100 years of rugby apparel expertise, we are delighted to have signed this innovative sports brand as World Rugby and Rugby World Cup 2019’s official apparel supplier. Having previously kitted out Japan, England, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions 2017 tour, Canterbury is a leading supplier and the perfect fit for these pinnacle global tournaments.”
Founded in 1904, Canterbury Clothing Company has dedicated itself to producing stylish, crafted and long-wearing rugby apparel and training gear. Canterbury makes technical training wear that helps individuals prepare the right way, focusing on comfort and freedom of movement in all products, to push the fitness enthusiast to new levels.
One of the world’s largest, most recognisable and best-loved major sports events, the Rugby World Cup has consistently grown in size, coverage and scope since the inaugural event took place in 1987, and is set to break new frontiers as it makes its Asian debut in Japan in 2019. The quadrennial international tournament has greatly raised rugby’s profile as the sport continues to experience unprecedented growth across male, female and youth participation.