Governing body World Rugby has announced an extension to its official apparel partnership with Italian sportswear manufacturer Macron through 2029, as it continues to strengthen its commercial portfolio.
The new agreement will see Macron continue as an official sports apparel supplier of Rugby World Cup tournaments and as the match official kit supplier to World Rugby.
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Specifically, Macron will supply technical and athleisure wear for match officials, staff, and volunteers, as well as official tournament merchandising collections, with the Macron Hero emblem featured during major tournaments.
The brand will also supply match official uniforms, including a bespoke kit designed specifically for female match officials, at all World Rugby-organized events, including the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup and 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, as well as the annual HSCB SVNS Series.
Macron has a solid presence in rugby union, having secured tie-ups with organizations including the governing bodies in Scotland, Wales, Italy, and the US, as well as the European Professional Club Rugby club competition organizing body.
Under its deal with the EPCR, Macron is the technical apparel partner for the 24-team Champions Cup and 18-side Challenge Cup pay-European tournaments.
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By GlobalDataThe deal, meanwhile, comes as World Rugby continues to consolidate its commercial partnerships, as visibility of its major tournaments grows.
Most recently, the governing body extended its long-term agreement with equipment brand and prominent ball supplier Gilbert until 2033, with the brand remaining the official ball supplier for all World Rugby 15s competitions and Rugby World Cups.
The governing body also secured a ‘record-breaking partnership extension' with UAE national carrier Emirates, which will continue serving as a top-tier platinum partner through 2035.
That agreement includes Emirates becoming the principal partner of all men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup competitions over the duration of the contract, with events in 2027, 2029, 2031, 2033, and 2035 all covered starting with next year’s men’s World Cup in Australia.
World Rugby’s most recent major tournament was last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup hosted by England, which saw the host beat Canada to lift the trophy.
The final broke domestic records, including becoming UK television’s most-watched women’s rugby union match ever after drawing 5.8 million viewers across public service broadcaster the BBC’s linear channels and streaming platform.
The match also broke attendance records, with 81,885 fans filling Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.
