Canterbury Apparel signs two-year deal with World Rugby

Sports apparel company Canterbury has signed a two-year deal with World Rugby for next year’s World Cup in Japan.

The deal will see Canterbury become the supplier for the World Rugby U20 Championship, elite 15s and sevens match officials and World Rugby technical official apparel.

The first officially licensed merchandise will go on sale from September in Japan, with the rest of the world to follow by end of the year.

Head of sports marketing at Canterbury, Simon Rowe, believes this deal keeps them on the right path to achieve their strategic goals.

“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,” he said.

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.

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.”