Rugby World Cup 2015 Media Release: Canon Appointed Rugby World Cup 2015 Official Sponsor

Canon, a world-leader in imaging solutions, has joined the family of Rugby World Cup 2015 official sponsors, Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) has announced.

The deal represents the first time that Canon has partnered with rugby’s showcase event, further underscoring the strength and appeal of the Rugby World Cup brand in the global sponsorship marketplace.

RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "We are delighted to be welcoming Canon to the Rugby World Cup family as an Official Sponsor for the first time."

"This exciting deal with a global leader in imaging represents another exciting boost for Rugby World Cup as we look forward to what promises to be a very special and record-breaking England 2015 tournament."

James Leipnik, Chief of Communication, Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "We are thrilled to extend our long history of involvement in the world’s best sporting events by supporting Rugby World Cup for the first time. Images play a vital role in bringing the emotions and action of global sports to fans that are not able to experience the events in person."

"Our participation presents us with exciting opportunities to support professional photographers and fans with our imaging expertise, as they capture and share world class rugby moments throughout the tournament."

During Rugby World Cup 2015, Canon will be undertaking a range of activities as Official Sponsor including providing all print and copying solutions used by the Tournament Organisers.

Canon will also be working in partnership with RWCL to deliver a range of image-related initiatives to enhance fan experience during what promises to be the best-connected and most engaged Rugby World Cup to date.

The Canon Professional Services (CPS) team will be on site sharing their imaging expertise and helping professional photographers get the perfect shot throughout the tournament. The dedicated team of CPS technicians at Rugby World Cup 2015 will provide accredited professional photographers with advice, essential maintenance services, equipment loans and help with minor repairs.

Canon’s support of Rugby World Cup 2015 represents a further boost to a record-breaking commercial programme – the announcement of Canon’s sponsorship follows the appointment of Heineken, Land Rover, Société Générale, DHL, Emirates and MasterCard as Rugby World Cup 2015 Worldwide Partners, Gilbert as Official Ball Supplier, Canterbury of New Zealand as Official Sportswear Supplier, Clifford Chance as Official Law Firm, EY as Business Advisor and Sportfolio as Master Licensee.

For all the latest Rugby World Cup 2015 news and information, join The Front Row - and receive the official tournament newsletter. Sign up at www.rugbyworldcup.com/frontrow.

For more information on how to purchase official travel and hospitality programmes, visit http://newsletter.worldrugby.org:81/CT00299604MTI2MzY=.HTML?D=2014-12-03 and http://newsletter.worldrugby.org:81/CT00299605MTI2MzY=.HTML?D=2014-12-03

Further information:

Dominic Rumbles, World Rugby Head of Communications, +353-868-520-826, email dominic.rumbles@worldrugby.org

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