World Rugby announced details of a new universal approach to its licensing program as the int'l federation launches a request for proposal.
The expanded approach will include for the first time all its major properties and brands, including Rugby World Cup and men's and women's World Rugby Sevens Series properties, reflecting World Rugby's strategic mission to grow the global rugby family as rugby continues to experience record participation, engagement and profile growth across existing and emerging rugby markets.
The licensing program for Rugby World Cup has been a major success, but with rugby sevens' Olympic Games inclusion and Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan opening new markets for the sport, the time is right for World Rugby to expand its approach to capitalize on increased demand. Rugby World Cup 2019 elements will continue to be supervised by IMG. All licensing activities across all competitions and assets will be grouped under one master licensee (with certain exceptions). This master licensee will provide minimum guarantees in addition to providing expert advice, guidance and management of World Rugby's licensing activities (World Rugby).
