Mumbai: Unilever has announced a landmark partnership with World Rugby, becoming an Official Supporter for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029. This collaboration underscores Unilever’s commitment to sports sponsorship, gender inclusivity, and fan engagement on a global scale.
The partnership will see Unilever’s leading Personal Care brands, including Dove, Dove Men+Care, Rexona (Sure), and Axe (Lynx), drive integrated campaigns across markets, tapping into rugby’s expanding audience.
Kicking off with the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England (22 August – 27 September), the tournament is set to make history, with over 275,000 tickets already sold—double the total for the 2021 edition in New Zealand.
Fabian Garcia, Personal Care President at Unilever, commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with World Rugby, particularly at a time when women’s rugby is on a sharp upwards trajectory. Our long-term investment in sport goes beyond sponsorship – it’s about making a lasting impact, bringing our brands closer to passionate fans and deepening our connection with consumers globally. We look forward to activating our power brands to enhance the fan experience, boost visibility, break barriers, and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Michel Poussau, World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer, added, “Our partnership with Unilever arrives at a transformative moment for rugby, particularly as the women’s game reaches unprecedented heights. Unilever’s commitment to both men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups will be instrumental in helping us deliver world-class events that inspire players and fans alike. Together, we will make Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 the biggest and most exciting yet.”
This partnership builds on Unilever’s strong presence in international sports, following major sponsorship deals with:
UEFA Women’s EURO 2025
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™
FIFA World Cup 2026™
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™
CAF Africa Cup of Nations
CONMEBOL Copa América
Key Tournament Dates
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 – England (22 August – 27 September)
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 – Australia (1 October – 13 November)
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 – Australia (Dates TBC)
