World Rugby has announced that French IT company, Capgemini, will become a global partner of the Women in Rugby programme and a worldwide partner of the 2021, which was moved to October 2022, and 2025 Rugby World Cups.

The five-year deal will expand on Capgemini’s partnership with the governing body, with the aim of developing World Rugby’s ‘Accelerating the Global Development of Women in Rugby 2017-25’ strategy through their ‘Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme’.

Capgemini will also become a global partner of the new global competition, WXV in 2023, with the IT company targeting more growth in the women’s game.

Commenting on the partnership, World Rugby chief executive, Alan Gilpin, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our relationship with Capgemini through this landmark partnership for the women’s game.”

“This partnership will see Capgemini invest not only in our major women’s competitions, but also in driving a core element of our strategic plan as collectively we strive to develop more female leaders throughout the global game.

“As an organisation that is driven by purpose and inclusivity, Capgemini will play a huge role in supporting and sharing World Rugby’s ambition of ensuring rugby is a global leader in sport, where women have equality on and off the field of play.

“With just over six months to go until Rugby World Cup 2021, our preparations are going extremely well, and we are on track for this to be a fantastic celebration of women’s rugby.

“New Zealand will be fantastic hosts and will provide the ultimate stage for the international role models of the 15s game to inspire so many,” he said.

Capgemini CEO, Aiman Ezzat, added: “I am very enthusiastic about this new chapter in Capgemini’s rugby story, and about the impressive growth of women’s rugby.”

“As a responsible, global leader of 325,000 employees in more than 50 countries, we are committed to supporting equal opportunities for women, in the workplace and on the field.

“As Global Partner of the Women in Rugby programme, we will be able to leverage our experience in developing talent to support and progress women’s rugby from the ground up,” he said.

Additionally, Capgemini is also the global innovation partner of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the presenting partner of the men’s and women’s world rankings, and the World Rugby Team of the Year at the World Rugby Awards.

The major announcement comes after World Rugby named Charlotte Samuelson as their new chief operating officer in January.