Isuzu Motors Limited (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa; President and CEO: Naohiro Yamaguchi; hereinafter “Isuzu”) has entered into an official automotive partnership agreement with World Rugby (Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland; CEO: Alan Gilpin), the global governing body for rugby, covering the two Rugby World Cup (RWC) tournaments to be held in Australia in 2027 and 2029.
Under the agreement, Isuzu is proud to support both Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.
Background and objectives of the partnership
Under its mid-term business plan, ISUZU Transformation – Growth to 2030 (IX), Isuzu is currently expanding beyond its traditional focus on products to encompass solutions, pursuing its transformation into a “commercial mobility solutions company” supporting the movement of goods and people around the world.
Rugby’s core values of “Integrity, Passion, Solidarity, Discipline, Respect” as set out in the World Rugby Playing Charter, are highly aligned with Isuzu’s Purpose of “Moving the World – for You” and its commitment to mutual growth through taking on challenges together.
Building on this alignment of values, Isuzu will further strengthen its brand communications across global markets through its partnership with Men’s RWC, which generates significant excitement among fans around the world, and Women’s RWC, which has seen remarkable growth and increasing global attention in recent years.
Key activations
- Exploring mobility solutions to support tournament operations
For Women’s RWC 2029, Isuzu and World Rugby will explore ways in which Isuzu can support tournament operations through mobility solutions utilizing its advanced commercial trucks, pickup trucks and other vehicles, helping ensure the safe and smooth transportation of participating teams and the tournament workforce.
- Global Communications
Isuzu plans to leverage a variety of opportunities for engagement throughout the tournament to conduct global brand communications aimed at rugby fans and a broader audience worldwide, communicating Isuzu’s values that resonate with rugby’s core values, as well as its ongoing transformation into a commercial mobility solutions company.
Comments from Isuzu and World Rugby
Naohiro Yamaguchi, President and CEO, Isuzu Motors Limited
“The year 2027, when Rugby World Cup kicks off, will also mark Isuzu’s 90th anniversary since its establishment. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our customers and everyone around the world who has supported Isuzu over the years. As we mark this milestone as a new starting point, Isuzu will continue to pursue further growth and transformation. We are deeply honored to become a partner of Rugby World Cup, an event that inspires people around the world, and to have the opportunity to showcase our journey toward becoming a commercial mobility solutions company on the global stage. Embracing rugby’s spirit of taking on challenges as one team, we will work closely with World Rugby to contribute to the success of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.”
Michel Poussau, Chief Revenue Officer, World Rugby
“We are delighted to welcome Isuzu Motors to the World Rugby family as an Official Automotive Partner of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. As rugby enters an exciting new era of growth and global reach, partnerships with world-class organisations such as Isuzu are helping us unlock new opportunities for the sport and our fans. With less than a year to go until kick-off in Australia, momentum is building rapidly for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, while Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 will continue the sport’s remarkable growth trajectory. We look forward to working closely with Isuzu to support tournament operations and deliver two outstanding Rugby World Cups that inspire and connect fans around the world.”