Toshiba retains Rugby World Cup connection

Japanese electronics company Toshiba has reached a deal to become an official tournament sponsor of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Toshiba’s renewal of its association with rugby union’s premier national team event places it alongside soft drinks giant Coca-Cola and imaging solutions company Canon on the second tier of the tournament’s commercial roster.

Rugby World Cup Limited chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are delighted to be extending our long-standing and highly-successful partnership with Toshiba. The appointment of a global leader in the electronics field further underscores the strength of the Rugby World Cup brand in the global sports sponsorship marketplace.

“We look forward to working in partnership with Toshiba to project what promises to be a very special and record-breaking Rugby World Cup, attract and engage new audiences and inspire more men, women and children to get involved with and participate in rugby."

The 2015 Rugby World Cup will be hosted by England and runs from September 18 to October 31. The tournament will be staged in Toshiba’s home nation in 2019.