World Rugby and Canon have declared a new partnership that assigns the photography expert as a worldwide partner of the 2021 women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, and the official imaging supplier of the 2023 men’s competition in France.
Through the agreement, Canon will give its suite of products and solutions to the global rugby union body. This incorporates providing cameras, lenses, video camcorders, network cameras and medical equipment for the two competitions.
Canon will likewise propose behind-the-scenes support to members of the media covering the following two World Cups, including camera maintenance services and product loans.
The agreement with the women’s competition denotes Canon’s first specific deal for the women’s game. Canon previously served as a sponsor of the last two men’s World Cups in 2015 and 2019, and presently turns into the fourth Japanese brand to collaborate with the 2023 edition of the competition.
“[Canon’s] relentless focus on innovation echoes our vision to make rugby as relevant and accessible as possible and their support will accelerate the development of our sport across the globe,” said Alan Gilpin, chief executive of World Rugby.
“We have had the great pleasure of working with Canon for a number of years and we are very proud to be continuing our long-standing relationship for Rugby World Cups 2021 and 2023.
“Canon shares our passion for driving gender parity across the game and we are delighted to be welcoming them to the partner family for the pinnacle women’s 15s tournament that kicks off in New Zealand later this year.”
Fujio Mitarai, chairman and chief executive of Canon Inc, added: “I am delighted that we have been granted this opportunity to support both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
“In addition to supporting professional photographers and news media as they capture the intense action of the world’s top teams facing off in peak condition, Canon will do its utmost to support World Rugby, the owner of both tournaments, as well as the organising committees, relevant authorities, local government and other corporate sponsors.”
