Capgemini becomes Worldwide Partner of 2023 Rugby World Cup
As preparations get under way for the Rugby World Cup, Capgemini has been named as a global digital transformation advisor for World Rugby. The firm will also help grow the profile of the showpiece tournament in France in 2023.
Capgemini has been present in the world of rugby for more than half of its five decades in business. In recent years, Capgemini was named a Global Innovation Partner for the World Rugby Sevens Series, helping improve the fan experience for World Rugby at Rugby World Cup 7s in 2018. Now, the firm has returned to the more traditional wing of the sport, as a Worldwide Partner for the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini said, “At Capgemini we share the values of the rugby community; passion, team spirit and diversity are common key drivers for us both. I am thrilled that Capgemini will bring its deep expertise in innovation, digital and technology to enrich the experience of one of the major global sporting events of 2023. This new worldwide partnership reflects the international breadth and diversity of the Capgemini Group on the global stage.”
Capgemini’s founder, the late Serge Kampf, was a lifelong rugby fan and sponsor of the sport, so naturally, alongside Capgemini’s support of domestic rugby clubs, the consultancy was also a sponsor of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, which took place in Kampf’s native France. 16 years on, Capgemini will once again back the tournament as it returns to France, working with France 2023 to enhance the tournament’s memorable moments on and off the field.
Through its deep technology expertise, Capgemini will support the tournament’s management systems and play an instrumental role in the delivery of results including the men’s and women’s World Rugby Rankings. Meanwhile, in the 24-month countdown to the event, the firm will use its global scale of almost 300,000 employees across 40 international markets to help grow and showcase the sport of rugby.
France 2023 CEO Claude Atcher said, “As the organisational model for international sporting events continues to evolve, the role of key strategic partners has never been more important. We look forward to working with Capgemini to optimize the technological services of France 2023, and in so doing contribute to the overall success and legacy of this Rugby World Cup.”
As well as joining the tournament’s worldwide Partners Family – alongside Societe Generale, Mastercard and Asahi – the consultancy becomes World Rugby’s Global Digital Transformation Partner, as part of a new three year-partnership agreement. This will see Capgemini work with World Rugby to enhance the digital experience for fans and coaches by applying its market-leading capabilities in data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin remarked, “This partnership is much deeper than a brand association, this is a purpose-driven relationship between our two organisations that share many common values. It reflects our ambition to keep innovating and deepen our relationship with fans, enriching their experience by embracing new technology and digital platforms. Capgemini is the perfect partner to help us deliver this shared vision.”