Canon and Rugby World Cup recently unveiled a fresh partnership, making the camera company the exclusive imaging provider for the 2023 men’s event in France and the 2021 women’s tournament in New Zealand.
Canon’s partnership with the women’s championship is its first-ever exclusive cooperation with a female sport. Canon had supported the last two Rugby World Cups for men, in 2015 and 2019, and is now the fourth Japanese enterprise to support the event in 2023.
Through this deal, Canon shall offer the international rugby union organization its line of equipment and services. For the two competitions, Canon will be providing cameras, lenses, video cameras, networked camera systems, and healthcare supplies.
In addition, Canon would also provide behind-the-scenes assistance, such as camera maintenance solutions and equipment loans, to journalists reporting the upcoming two World Cups.
Alan Gilpin, the CEO of World Rugby, said, “[Canon’s] 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.”
Chairman and CEO of Canon Inc., Fujio Mitarai, commented, “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.”