Mastercard has announced a renewal of its long-standing partnership with the Rugby World Cup, becoming a worldwide partner for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

The payment company first partnered with the Rugby World Cup in 2008, and by signing a new three-year partnership, will have been involved as a worldwide partner in all men’s Rugby World Cups of the last decade.

As part of the deal, Mastercard will offer priority access to tickets for the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France for its cardholders and fans and will work with Rugby World Cup to curate one-of-a-kind experiences for rugby fans in the lead-up to and during the tournament.

World Rugby chief commercial officer, Tom Hill, said: “Mastercard has been a long-standing supporter of our sport, being involved as a Worldwide Partner in all men’s Rugby World Cups over the last decade.”

“It is our great pleasure to count them again in the worldwide rugby family and we are excited to partner with them on this great journey.

“Mastercard shares our values and ambitions to deliver a game-changing tournament, one that will set new standards in social responsibility, inclusion and sustainability for a major rugby event as well as capture worldwide fans’ imagination for the 200th anniversary of our sport,” Hill said.

Mastercard chief marketing and communications officer, Raja Rajamannar, said Mastercard cardholders signed up to the ‘2023 Family’ will benefit with priority access for pre-sale tickets.

“We want to support peoples’ passions by bringing them closer to who and what they love, the athletes playing their favourite sport, the teams they connect with, the camaraderie of live or digital sporting events,” Rajamannar said.

“Mastercard is pleased to renew our partnership with Rugby World Cup and help create memorable moments for players, fans, and sporting communities around the world,” he said.

France 2023 Rugby World Cup CEO, Claude Atcher, said: “We are very happy to welcome Mastercard to the 2023 Family.”

“As with all Rugby World Cup France 2023 partners, Mastercard brings an expertise and know-how that will undoubtedly contribute to the tournament’s success.

“We look forward to collaborating with Mastercard in that sense,” Atcher said.