Facebook Becomes Official Social Media Services Supplier Of Rugby World Cup 2023 France, World Rugby And Capgemini Announce France 2023 Deal

France 2023 and Facebook are pleased to announce that Facebook has become the Official Social Media Services Supplier of Rugby World Cup France 2023 hosted in France and experienced all over the world. As an Official Supplier, Facebook will support the tournament’s mission of making Rugby World Cup France 2023 a moment of sharing and celebration across all regions in France and around the world. 

This is the first time Rugby World Cup has had an Official Social Media Services provider, demonstrating rugby’s growing popularity and innovative ways it is increasing its access to fans across the globe. Facebook will become the place where rugby fans from around the world will come together to follow their favourite teams and players, get information from the organisers and share their passion for rugby, before, during and after the competition.

As Official Social Media Services Supplier, Facebook will launch a range of exciting features including AR photo filters, LIVEs and other moments to create excitement around the event and reach a new generation of Rugby fans.

To celebrate and officially kick-off the “two years to go” until Rugby World Cup France 2023, a special show will be live streamed exclusively on Facebook on 8 September at 18:00 CET. Fans will have the opportunity to “go behind the scenes” of Rugby World Cup 2023 on the road to the opening match between hosts France and three-time champions New Zealand at the Stade de France. The show will feature special guests and personalities who will share their passion and insights around this international sporting moment. This will also be an opportunity to discover the ten French host cities and get a closer look at how they are preparing to welcome fans from France and around the world.

Facebook will also contribute to the tournament’s legacy when they provide free digital training to 3,000 young apprentices as part of Campus 2023. This apprenticeship programme, designed by France 2023, aims to train the new generation of French sports professionals, and leave a legacy of new resources to sports clubs and regional leagues. Digital skills and community management are today essential to the success and development of sports organisations and structures. Facebook is committed to building local community and Facebook employees together with experts will provide free digital training to a new generation of sports professionals.

Claude Atcher, CEO of France 2023: “We are extremely proud to welcome Facebook as the Official Social Media Services Supplier of Rugby World Cup France 2023. The Rugby World Cup France 2023 will be a time for celebration and sharing for French and international fans both in and outside the stadiums. Facebook represents the biggest virtual stadium in the world and this collaboration will allow us to be even closer to Rugby fans and offer them new innovative experiences. Together we will share our passion for rugby, our values and engage with new rugby enthusiasts around the world.”

Laurent Solly, VP of Facebook Southern Europe: “Connecting people to their passion and creating community is Facebook’s mission and as the Official Social Media Services Supplier of Rugby World Cup France 2023, we will enable Rugby fans from around the world to come together on our platforms to celebrate their passion, connect with their favorite teams and players and share the values of respect and community that are core to Facebook and Rugby World Cup. Contributing to the local community is equally important to Facebook and we are also delighted to be part of the Campus 2023 programme and will mobilise our employees and experts to provide digital training to future sports professionals.”

WORLD RUGBY AND CAPGEMINI ANNOUNCE TRANSFORMATIONAL RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023 WORLDWIDE PARTNERSHIP

World Rugby has announced a new wide-ranging partnership that will see Capgemini join the family of Worldwide Partners for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. A world leader in helping organisations to transform by harnessing the power of technology, Capgemini will also become World Rugby’s Global Digital Transformation Partner.

The announcement deepens Capgemini’s relationship with World Rugby’s major properties, building on a successful Global Innovation Partnership for the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Under the deal, Capgemini will harness its innovation and technology expertise to enrich the tournament experience for millions of fans in stadia and viewing via broadcast and digital platforms.

As World Rugby’s Global Digital Transformation Partner, Capgemini will play its full role in enabling the international federation to achieve key strands of its recently-announced strategic plan and player welfare advancement strategy, delivering innovative digital solutions to support the growth of the sport at all levels. Capgemini will also be the presenting partner of the men’s and women’s World Rugby Rankings and the World Rugby Team of the Year at the World Rugby Awards.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “We are delighted to be expanding our relationship with Capgemini and welcoming them as one of our six Worldwide Partners for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

“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.

“With two years to go until France 2023 kicks off, we are in great shape. Preparations are on track. Our Worldwide Partner commercial programme is attracting new partners like Capgemini and we are confident that it will be the most impactful and sustainable Rugby World Cup ever staged and a spectacular celebration of rugby and its values in the sport’s 200th year.”

Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini Aiman Ezzat 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.”

France 2023 CEO Claude Atcher said: “As the model for international sporting events continues to evolve, the role of strategic partners has never been more important. We look forward to working with Capgemini on a number of meaningful projects that will contribute to the overall success and legacy of Rugby World Cup 2023.”

Capgemini is the fourth Rugby World Cup France 2023 Worldwide Partner confirmed following Societe Generale, Mastercard, and Asahi who have come on board for the showcase event. With interest high after a game-changing Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, World Rugby is confident that the final three places will be confirmed by the end of the year, completing a stellar line-up of international brands.

On 8 September, the global rugby family will celebrate two years to go to the opening match at Rugby World Cup 2023 between host nation France and New Zealand at the iconic Stade de France. One million tickets have already been sold to fans around the world, confirming the global appeal of rugby’s biggest tournament.