News Releases

Toshiba to Sponsor Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand

20 Jul, 2010
Image of Rugby World Cup 2011 Logo

TOKYO — Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced that it has been selected as an Official Sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2011, to be held in New Zealand from September 9 to October 23, 2011.

Rugby World Cup 2011 will make New Zealand a focal point for sports lovers around the world, and provide Toshiba with the opportunity to support Rugby and to spotlight its products, including audio visual products such as TVs and Blu-ray Disc players, notebook PCs and air-conditioning equipment.

Toshiba has long been associated with Rugby and cultivation of the Game in Japan. The Toshiba Rugby team "BRAVE LUPUS" competes in Japan Rugby Top League, and has sent numerous players for Japan's national team in the six Rugby World Cup Tournaments to date.

Toshiba was a proud sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2007 in France. For Rugby World Cup 2011, New Zealand, Toshiba will provide the Tournament with products that include TVs, notebook PCs and digital multi-function peripherals integrating a copier, printer, scanner and network capabilities.

"Toshiba is delighted to be continuing our fruitful relationship with this major global sporting event watched by a global audience of billions and we are very much looking forward to building on the success of our sponsorship of Rugby World Cup 2007," said Mark Whittard, Managing Director, Toshiba (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Toshiba will mark the sponsorship with a Rugby-themed advertising campaign that will include advertising signage in tournament stadiums, incorporating tournament logos in its product and corporate advertisements, and banner ads on the official Rugby World Cup 2011 website.

"Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted to announce that Toshiba has joined the impressive list of sponsors for Rugby World Cup 2011. The reappointment of a world leader in the electronics field further underlines the enormous attraction and prestige of the Tournament in the global sporting calendar," said International Rugby Board Chairman, Bernard Lapasset.

"We look forward to working with Toshiba to further the promotion of the Game as the global Rugby community looks ahead to Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and a Tournament that looks set to write another memorable chapter in the Rugby World Cup success story."

Since its inaugural Tournament in 1987, the quadrennial Rugby World Cup has grown to become one of the biggest events in the global sporting calendar. France 2007, attracted more than 2 million spectators, and was viewed by a cumulative global TV audience of 4.3 billion viewers, concentrated in Europe, Oceania and Asia. Rugby World Cup 2011, the seventh Tournament, is expected to deliver an irresistible mix of world class Rugby, impressive venues and a unique New Zealand flavour.

Toshiba will continue to promote proactive marketing activities worldwide in parallel with its overseas business promotion.

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008.