Banking group HSBC has secured a partnership with Rugby Canada, the national governing body for rugby union.
HSBC will serve as the official financial services provider of Rugby Canada under a deal that will run through to 2020.
HSBC will also become the title sponsor of Rugby Canada’s ‘Rookie Rugby’ programme, a national grassroots initiative that has been designed to increase participation in the sport at all levels.
In addition, HSBC will work with the national organisation to deliver a range of new and expanded grassroots programmes across Canada.
Allen Vansen, chief executive of Rugby Canada, said: “The Rookie Rugby programme has reached over 85,000 participants across Canada. With HSBC's support, the programme is expected reach in excess of 375,000 participants over a three-year period.
“HSBC’s multi-year investment in the sport of rugby in Canada sends a powerful message to all of the players in our system, and to those who are considering trying the sport for the first time, that rugby is on the rise, and that we are committed to its growth at all levels.”
HSBC has already established a major presence in the global rugby union market, having been title sponsor of the World Rugby Sevens Series since 2010.