World Rugby has expanded its partnership with Capgemini, which will now become a global partner of Women in Rugby and a worldwide partner of Rugby World Cups 2021 and 2025.
The collaboration is announced with less than 200 days until the Rugby World Cup 2021 tournament kicks off in New Zealand – where the world’s top 12 international women’s 15s teams will go head-to-head from 8 October – 12 November.
For the information technology company, the deal looks to strengthen its commitment to the development of women’s rugby, both on and off the field of play, whilst the firm has also been supporting the sport since 2018 as partner of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
World Rugby Chief Executive, Alan Gilpin, commented: “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.”
Additionally, Capgemini will look to promote the ‘Leadership’ pillar of World Rugby’s ‘Accelerating the Global Development of Women in Rugby 2017-25′ plan through the ‘Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme’.
This creates ‘a pipeline of female leaders’ in rugby across the game through awarding 12 inspirational women executive scholarships each year, whilst Capgemini will leverage the use of its own internal University to develop the programme.
Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini, concluded: “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 sports 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.”
