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orld Rugby has announced ChildFund as the principal charity partner for the Rugby World Cup 2021.

The deal sees ChildFund become the first ever charity partner for the women’s Rugby World Cup and will see gender equality initiatives in Oceania and beyond grow.

ChildFund Rugby, ChildFund’s dedicated rugby for development unit, will have fund raising initiatives available for fans to be involved with to support the expansion of rugby for development programmes in Oceania for vulnerable girls and women.

World Rugby CEO, Alan Gilpin, said: “We are delighted to be extending our impactful association with ChildFund, this time as principal charity partner for Rugby World Cup 2021.”

“The tournament will showcase rugby’s unstoppable women as they compete at the highest level.

“Importantly, it will also generate an incredible legacy by supporting a new generation of female players and leaders in Pacific Island nations through ChildFund’s significant contribution to rugby for development programmes in the Oceania region,” Gilpin said.

The partnership expands on work from the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which saw £2 million (AUD$3.6 million) pledged by rugby fans to ChildFund, ultimately providing support for more than 25,000 children in Asia.

ChildFund Alliance chair, Simon Whyte, said: “ChildFund is excited to again be partnering with World Rugby to change children’s lives through sport.”

“Over 31,000 children and young people have benefitted from their involvement in ChildFund’s rugby for development programmes, which are highly successful in providing critical learning opportunities for children facing significant challenges linked to poverty and inequality.

“As part of this, 6,000 children have participated in Reconnect, a COVID-19 early response initiative developed by ChildFund which supports positive responses among young people to the challenges of the pandemic.

“ChildFund’s rugby for development programmes also support global efforts to achieve gender equality, reduce inequality, and end gender-based violence, reflecting targets within the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” Whyte said.

The 2021 edition of the Rugby World Cup is now set to take place on 8 October-12 November 2022 in New Zealand after being postponed earlier this year due to COVID-19.