December 17 2014
Coca-Cola announces official sponsorship of Rugby World Cup 2015
Coca-Cola today announces its official sponsorship of Rugby World Cup 2015 after agreeing a deal with Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) to become the official soft drink, sports drink and water supplier at next year's tournament.
This exciting new partnership continues the rich heritage that Coca-Cola has in the international game and marks almost two decades as a partner of the world's most iconic rugby event.
As rugby fever begins to grip the host nation, Coca-Cola looks forward to celebrating the passion, excitement and happiness of Rugby World Cup 2015 with fans throughout Great Britain.
Caroline Cater, Operational Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Enterprises, said: "Rugby World Cup 2015 looks set to be the biggest ever and we're delighted to be a part of it to celebrate the excitement and passion the tournament will generate. Through the sponsorship we will work with our customers to bring the tournament to life in outlets up and down Great Britain through excellence in activation to help maximise this significant opportunity."
Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman, Bernard Lapasset, said: "We are delighted to be extending our long and successful partnership with Coca-Cola as official soft drink. With rugby experiencing unprecedented growth around the world and Rugby World Cup playing a pivotal role in inspiring future fans and players, we are delighted to be working with a brand that shares our passion for the sport and its character-building values."
World Rugby Head of Commercial, Broadcast and Marketing, Murray Barnett added: "The Coca-Cola Company is a long term partner of World Rugby. It is a testament to the strength of Rugby World Cup, and rugby as a sport, that Coca-Cola is continuing to support the tournament in 2015."
To further support the Coca-Cola campaign, the brand has joined forces with renowned international rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll.
"I'm really excited to be working with Coca-Cola for Rugby World Cup 2015 and see this as an opportunity to bring the game to a wider audience. As a former professional sportsman, I'm a passionate believer in the importance of leading an active, healthy lifestyle and understanding the benefits of physical activity. I believe we can really harness the excitement of rugby in 2015 to inspire people to move more." said O'Driscoll.
Coca-Cola has had a long standing association with rugby at an international level as well as at a country level. Since first sponsoring Rugby World Cup 1995 in South Africa, Coca-Cola has featured at every tournament as either a Worldwide Partner or Tournament Supplier.
For Rugby World Cup 2015, Coca-Cola will hydrate fans, players, teams and officials at the tournament and provide exciting rugby opportunities that celebrate the passion, excitement and movement of rugby around the world.
ENDS
For more information:
Emma Juner - Coca-Cola Great Britain
07920 581 515 \ e.juner@coca-cola.com
Paul Anastasiadis - M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment for Coca-Cola
07872 102 232 \ paul.anastasiadis@mcsaatchi.com
Dominic Rumbles, World Rugby Head of Communications,
+353-868-520-826 \ dominic.rumbles@worldrugby.org
