Emirates And World Rugby Extend Partnership Through 2035 In Landmark Global Deal

Under the new deal, Emirates becomes World Rugby’s first-ever Platinum Partner and will continue as Principal Partner for the Men’s Rugby World Cups in 2027, 2031, and 2035, as well as the Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2029 and 2033. The airline will also retain its role as Principal Partner for qualifying rounds across all Rugby World Cup tournaments.

Emirates strengthens ties with World Rugby

The airline will maintain prominent branding at every Rugby World Cup event, including pitch-side visibility and digital engagement across World Rugby’s platforms. Referees will continue to be known as “Emirates World Rugby Match Officials” and wear the airline’s “fly better” logo, with visibility extending to Television Match Official (TMO) booths and key international tournaments such as the Six Nations, Rugby Championship, and British & Irish Lions Tours.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said: “Since 2007, Emirates has been a proud partner of World Rugby, and this ten-year extension, our longest yet, demonstrates our shared commitment. The sport reflects our core values: integrity, teamwork, and bringing people together across borders. Rugby continues to grow worldwide, and we’re committed to amplifying that momentum by flying fans from every corner of the world to experience these tournaments live.”

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added: “Emirates has been a cornerstone of rugby’s global growth and success for well over two decades, and we are proud to extend this landmark partnership through to 2035. Their unwavering support has been instrumental at every level of the game, and together, we will continue to inspire new generations of fans and expand rugby’s reach around the globe.”

Beyond sponsorship, the partnership will include new community and grassroots engagement initiatives across key markets within the carrier’s network, supporting World Rugby’s efforts to grow participation globally.

Emirates’ relationship with rugby dates back to 1987, making it the airline’s longest-standing sports partnership. From its title sponsorship of the Emirates Dubai Sevens to serving as the official airline of multiple Rugby World Cups, Emirates has played a central role in promoting the game from grassroots to elite levels.

By extending its partnership for the next decade, the airline also reaffirms its commitment to advancing women’s rugby, aligning with the growing investment and global recognition of female athletes.

The renewed agreement strengthens Emirates’ position as one of the world’s leading sports sponsors, complementing its wide-ranging portfolio across football, tennis, cricket, golf, sailing, and horse racing, and further cementing its role in connecting fans and communities worldwide through sport.