Priceless Experiences Ahead for Rugby Fans

Mastercard and World Rugby renew Rugby World Cup™ partnership

Auckland, New Zealand – June 7, 2017 – Mastercard renewed with World Rugby as a Worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, it was announced today. The agreement continues a relationship originally kicked off in 2011, as the tournament makes its first-ever appearance in Asia.

“This ground-breaking event is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage cardholders and enable them to experience the energy of rugby in ways we have not yet imagined,” said Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communications officer, Mastercard. “In 2015, we had a blast turning the world oval, and thrilled to be back again for Rugby World Cup 2019.”

Under the sponsorship agreement, Mastercard will serve as the preferred card and digital wallet for the tournament. This relationship will serve as a springboard – in conjunction with the Mastercard Priceless Japan and Priceless Surprises platforms – to curate some truly one-of-a-kind experiences for rugby fans ahead of and during the 2019 tournament.

“Rugby World Cup 2019 is set to be a very special event that will reach beyond our traditional audiences to inspire and attract new fans and participants, and our worldwide partners are at the heart of the story,” said Bill Beaumont, chairman, World Rugby. “We are delighted to be renewing our highly-successful relationship with Mastercard and look forward to generating many unforgettable experiences and moments for rugby fans worldwide. We know that Mastercard will make it priceless.”

Priceless Experiences and Benefits

As part of the agreement, Mastercard will look to package ‘Priceless’ access and experiences such as Man of the Match, helping fans to get closer to the tournament and the athletes they love. Mastercard will also provide an exclusive incentive for cardholders to use their Mastercard when purchasing tickets.

About Rugby World Cup

Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan is the ninth edition of rugby's showcase global event and the first in Asia. The world's top 20 national teams will play in 48 matches hosted across 12 match cities for the right to lift the iconic Webb Ellis Cup and be crowned world champions. Rugby World Cup is the sport's financial engine, generating approximately 90 per cent of World Rugby's revenues for reinvestment in the global game over the four-year cycle. The record-breaking success of England 2015 is enabling World Rugby to invest £245.8 million in the sport by 2020, eclipsing the previous 2013-16 £201 million investment injection by 22 per cent. All the latest news can be found at www.rugbyworldcup.com and via @rugbyworldcup across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Mastercard

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

© Scoop Media