With the aim of promoting further development of the rugby world, Canon has become a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand (9th Women’s edition). Canon has also signed a contract to become Official Imaging Supplier of Rugby World Cup France 2023 (10th Men’s edition).
This latest agreement marks Canon’s involvement for the third consecutive Rugby World Cup having previously sponsored Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, and Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan. In addition, and for the first time, this new sponsorship establishes Canon as a Worldwide Partner of the women’s tournament, further supporting the advancement of gender equality in rugby.
As a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2021 and Official Imaging Supplier of Rugby World Cup 2023, Canon offers the full support of its diverse businesses, ranging from products and solutions—including cameras, lenses, video camcorders, network cameras and medical equipment. As with other sporting competitions in the past, both in Japan and overseas, Canon will provide behind-the-scenes support services to members of the press covering Rugby World Cups 2021 and 2023, including camera and lens maintenance services and product loans, to enable the best possible capture of the top-class athletes competing at the zenith of their sport.
The Canon Group will continue contributing to the advancement of sports through the use of Canon products and technologies.
Comment from World Rugby Chief Executive Officer Alan Gilpin
“Having recently confirmed both men’s and women’s editions of Rugby World Cup up until 2033, there couldn’t be a more pivotal time to welcome Canon on board. Their relentless focus on innovation echoes our vision to make rugby as relevant and accessible as possible and their support will accelerate the development of our sport across the globe. We have had the great pleasure of working with Canon for a number of years and we are very proud to be continuing our long-standing relationship for Rugby World Cups 2021 and 2023. Canon shares our passion for driving gender parity across the game and we are delighted to be welcoming them to the partner family for the pinnacle women’s 15s tournament that kicks off in New Zealand later this year.”
Comment from Canon Inc. Chairman & CEO Fujio Mitarai
“Following on from Rugby World Cup 2015 in England and Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, Canon is delighted to continue backing the tournaments as Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand and Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. I am delighted that we have been granted this opportunity to support both the men’s and women’s tournaments. In addition to supporting professional photographers and news media as they capture the intense action of the world’s top teams facing off in peak condition; Canon, will do its utmost to support World Rugby—the owner of both tournaments—as well as the organising committees, relevant authorities, local government and other corporate sponsors.”
Overview of Tournaments
Rugby World Cup 2021
Host country: New Zealand
Tournament period: October 8 – November 12, 2022
Participating teams: 12 (New Zealand, England, France, United States of America, Canada, Australia, Wales, South Africa, Scotland, Fiji, Japan, Italy)
Rugby World Cup 2023
Host country: France
Tournament period: September 8 – October 28, 2023
Participating teams: 20 (South Africa, England, Wales, New Zealand, Japan, France, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Argentina, Fiji, Samoa, Uruguay, Georgia. Remaining five teams to be determined through qualifying matches.)