Isuzu Group Backs Rugby’s Biggest Stage as Australia Welcomes the World

Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has welcomed parent company Isuzu Motors Limited’s announcement of an Official Automotive Partnership with World Rugby for the upcoming Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, to be hosted in Australia.

IAL is pleased to support the global partnership and bring an Australian perspective to the Group’s involvement in the two landmark international events.

In announcing the partnership, Isuzu Motors Limited President and CEO Naohiro Yamaguchi highlighted rugby’s spirit of taking on challenges as one team and Isuzu’s commitment to supporting the success of both tournaments.

“We are deeply honored to become a partner of Rugby World Cup, an event that inspires people around the world, and to have the opportunity to showcase our journey toward becoming a commercial mobility solutions company on the global stage,” Yamaguchi-san said.

“The year 2027, when Men’s Rugby World Cup kicks off, will also mark Isuzu’s 90th anniversary since its establishment. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our customers and everyone around the world who has supported Isuzu over the years.

“As we mark this milestone as a new starting point, Isuzu will continue to pursue further growth and transformation.

“Embracing rugby’s spirit of taking on challenges as one team, we will work closely with World Rugby to contribute to the success of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029,” Yamaguchi-san concluded.

For IAL, it is an occasion to support the Isuzu’s involvement in a local event and share in a spectacle that will bring nations, communities and supporters together through their love of rugby.

Special significance

IAL Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Harbison commented that Australia’s role in hosting the events was a proud moment for the local operation.

“We are honoured to get behind Isuzu Group’s partnership with World Rugby and its support for both Rugby World Cups here in Australia,” Mr Harbison said.

“This partnership has special meaning for Isuzu Australia. It allows us to play an additional role as part of the broader global Isuzu family and shines a spotlight on the local communities in which we work whilst celebrating Australia’s place on the international sporting stage.

“Rugby is shared international passion, and we look forward to bringing the world view of the sport to our colleagues, dealers, customers and the wider Australian community.”

The global stage awaits

Taking place from 1 October to 13 November 2027, Men’s Rugby World Cup will feature 24 national teams and 52 matches across seven host cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Townsville.

Perth Stadium plays host to opening match, while the final will be held at Stadium Australia in Sydney. The competition features an expanded format, including a new round of 16, giving more nations the opportunity to compete and for supporters, more chances to experience international rugby at its highest level.

Australia’s reprising its role as host, follows the staging of the 2003 tournament and co-hosting of the very first competition with New Zealand in 1987.

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 will extend that celebration, building on the growing profile of the women’s game. Under the agreement, Isuzu and World Rugby will explore potential mobility solutions to support operations for the 2029 tournament.

Carn Australia

For Mr Harbison, the prospect of a home tournament adds a personal dimension to IAL’s support.

“I love the game, and Australia hosting the World Cup brings a whole new dimension,” he said.

“The competition on the field is next level, but so too is the sense of occasion around it all.

“Supporters travelling from across the world, friendships formed in the stands and communities coming together to welcome the best players in the game.

“To have that here in Australia is incredibly exciting. It is a chance to rally behind our national team, while celebrating international rugby.

“And in good tradition, we can expect Australians to get on board and cheer our local teams’ performances across these two marquee international events.”

Showcase opportunity

Isuzu’s support of the events provides an opportunity to showcase the brand to a wider audience, commented IAL General Manager, Customer & Marketing, Mr John Walker.

“We look to involve our brand with organisations and events where there’s a real synergy of activity and intent,” Mr Walker said.

“With this initiative, we’re in good company, both with the lead from our parent, Isuzu Motors, and with the broad appeal and impact of rugby locally and globally.

“To succeed on the rugby field takes a special combination of grit, ability, strategy and determination,” he continued.

“These are virtues that we celebrate and admire at IAL and we’re pleased to play our part in bringing this showcase of all this and more to Australian and international audiences,” he said.

With teams and supporters to shortly converge from around the globe, Australia’s Rugby World Cups promise fierce competition, national pride and a globally shared passion for rugby.

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