Isuzu Motors Ltd  Clinches Rugby World Cup (RWC) Partnership

Japan’s Isuzu Motors Limited has clinched a deal to become the official automotive of the Men’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2029 in Australia.  

The partnership will focus on supporting tournament operations, engaging fans and exploring opportunities to contribute to the sustainable delivery of both international events. 

The deal also provides Isuzu with a global platform to showcase its commercial mobility solutions as the company approaches its 90th anniversary next year.

As part of the agreement, Isuzu and World Rugby will explore transport solutions for participating teams and tournament personnel. The Japanese carmaker will also have opportunities to connect with supporters through activations at tournament venues and Fan Festivals across Australia’s host cities.

World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer, Michel Poussau, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Isuzu Motors Limited 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.”

President and CEO of Isuzu Motors Limited, Naohiro Yamaguchi, added, “We are honoured to become a partner of Rugby World Cup, an event that inspires excitement and emotion among people around the world. Next year, Isuzu will celebrate its 90th anniversary. At this significant milestone, we believe it is particularly meaningful to share our ambition and ongoing transformation as a commercial mobility solutions company with a global audience through Rugby World Cup, one of the world’s premier sporting stages.”

“Across these two outstanding tournaments in Australia—the men’s tournament in 2027 and the women’s edition in 2029—we look forward to working closely with World Rugby to explore how we can contribute to the sustainable delivery of the tournaments. Through strong teamwork, we will do our part to support their success.”

The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will feature an expanded 24-team format, with 52 matches scheduled from October 1 to November 13, 2027. The Women’s Rugby World Cup will follow in 2029, extending the partnership across both tournaments.

According to ASN data, Isuzu has invested US$617k in the Asia sponsorship since Q124, with a quarterly average investment of almost US$75k during this period. However, the Japanese carmaker’s spends have been muted since Q125, and the RWC partnership would certainly boost its numbers in the upcoming quarter.