IRB

Payment systems company MasterCard is using its sports sponsorships as part of a consumer-based marketing strategy despite a lack of direct consumer operations, Ann Cairns, president, international markets for MasterCard, told Sports Sponsorship Insider.

USA Rugby has announced a sponsorship agreement with Heathrow Express, the train service connecting Heathrow airport to London’s city centre, on the back of its national team’s qualification for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

Global payment brand MasterCard is in renewal talks for the final Worldwide Partner position at next year’s Rugby World Cup in England, as organisers seek to renew all six top-tier sponsors from the 2…

Jonathan Kerziger, IMG Global senior vice-president of sales and marketing, responsible for the sale of 2015 Rugby World Cup sponsorship inventory, expects next year’s tournament in England to break all previous records across sponsorship revenue, as well as broadcast and ticketing income.

International banking group HSBC, the naming sponsor of rugby union’s International Sevens Series, is backing the launch of a two-year grassroots programme targeting increased participation ahead of the sport’s debut at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.