Taisho Pharmaceutical adds World Cup sponsorship to rugby portfolio

Taisho Pharmaceutical has agreed a deal to become an official sponsor of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which will take place in Japan.

The company’s Lipovitan D energy drink will be showcased throughout the tournament as part of the agreement.

Lipovitan D currently serves as the shirt sponsor of Japan’s men’s national team.

Taisho Pharmaceutical joins Canon, Toto and SECOM as official sponsors of the World Cup, which has already completed its worldwide partner line-up through deals with Emirates, Heineken, Land Rover, Mastercard, Société Générale and DHL.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Lipovitan D is a significant brand in Japan and a supporter of rugby in the host nation since 2001. The appointment of another market-leader to the Rugby World Cup 2019 commercial programme portfolio reaffirms the attraction and prestige of one of the world's biggest and best-loved major sports events.”

The 2019 Rugby World Cup will run from September 20 to November 2.