Dublin – Ireland, May 15, 2013: American International Group, Inc. (AIG), the world’s leading insurance brand, has been appointed official global insurance partner of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 in Moscow on June 28-30.
The partnership reflects Rugby’s continued commercial appeal and is a clear indication of AIG’s growing commitment to Rugby; and more specifically a sport that continues to experience growth in key emerging markets such as Asia which has grown in participation by 18 per cent since the Olympic decision in 2009, Africa by 33 per cent and South America by 22 per cent as global participation has reached the 5.5 million mark.
AIG also views Rugby Sevens as a strong driver of global Rugby growth and believes it is important to support the sport now as it accelerates toward its Olympic Games debut in 2016.
Daniel Glantz, Global Head of Sponsorship at AIG, said: “At AIG, we know how important teamwork is to success. AIG serves customers in more than 130 countries around the world and our employees rely on each other’s passion, skills and support to overcome obstacles and get the job done. Rugby, and more specifically Sevens, is a sport that we believe mirrors our key objectives and work ethic and we are delighted to be involved in one of the premier and most exciting Rugby competitions across the globe.”
“We are firmly committed to supporting Rugby and are truly excited about working with the IRB in Moscow to help bring to life the biggest tournament of 2013.”
Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “The appointment of one of the world’s biggest and most recognisable global brands as a partner of Rugby World Cup Sevens is a strong endorsement of Rugby’s continued commercial appeal and the strength of the Rugby World Cup Sevens brand as we continue to drive towards our Olympic Games debut at Rio in 2016.”
“AIG has a close alignment with Rugby as a growth sport in key markets and we look forward to working with AIG to ensure that it extracts the maximum benefits from their association with one of the most vibrant and entertaining sports.”
Rugby Union of Russia President Vyacheslav Kopiev added: “It is fantastic to have a major global brand on board. AIG will find itself part of this event in Moscow this year but its involvement will only help strengthen our own resolve to become a major player in the world of Rugby and help us further develop the grassroots of the Game in Russia. This is a hugely exciting moment for all of us working across the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013.”
Mike Vandrau, Head of Sales at Essentially, official commercial agency to Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013, added: “AIG is one of the biggest and well-respected brands in the world and it is a real pleasure to welcome it to the family of partners for this year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens. Given the global media values achieved in Dubai (2009) of more than 379 hours live coverage, we are supremely confident that Moscow will help AIG achieve the key global visibility it is looking for across its key and emerging markets.”
The announcement is a further boost to a Rugby World Cup Sevens event that is on track to be a wonderful festival of world-class Rugby and entertainment.
About Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013
Taking place at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium between June 28-30, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 will bring together the finest men’s and women’s Sevens players in the world for a three-day festival of world-class sport, entertainment and hospitality.
The decision to host the tournament in the Russian capital was part of the International Rugby Board’s development vision and commitment to grow the Game beyond its traditional heartlands. The fact it will be held at the Luzhniki Stadium is a further boost for the tournament as such high-profile events as the Olympic Games and UEFA Champions League final have already been staged there.
The three-day event will be an incredible experience for sports fans from Russia and around the world as a top-level international Rugby tournament is staged in Moscow for the very first time.
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