Emirates and World Rugby commit to new decade together, cementing one of rugby's longest-running partnerships

Emirates and World Rugby have renewed their partnership for another decade, making Emirates the Platinum Partner and Principal Partner of World Rugby through 2035, solidifying one of rugby’s most enduring alliances.

Under the agreement, the world’s largest international airline will become the first entity in World Rugby’s history to receive the title of Platinum Partner. Emirates will also remain Principal Partner of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 taking place in Australia, as well as Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2033 taking place in the United States. The airline will also remain as Principal Partner of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2035 and qualifying rounds for all Rugby World Cup tournaments.

Emirates will continue to benefit from prominent pitch-side branding at every Rugby World Cup event and logo placement across World Rugby’s official digital channels. Emirates will also reach millions of fans worldwide through exclusive digital activations on World Rugby Platforms, while the airline’s branding will appear in World Rugby’s press and promotional materials.

With this renewal, referees at all Rugby World Cup tournaments and international matches will continue to be named as “Emirates World Rugby Match Officials” and wear Emirates’ ‘fly better’ kit. These include Men’s and Women’s Six Nation, Women’s July & Autumn Internationals, Rugby Championship, British & Irish Lions Tours, among others. Emirates’ logo will also be featured prominently within Television Match Official (TMO) booths during all Rugby World Cup tournaments.

Sir Tim Clark, President 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. Together with World Rugby, we'll honour our shared legacy while opening new opportunities and inspiring the next generation to embrace the sport."

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “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. Since our partnership began in 2007, their unwavering support from Rugby World Cups to the vital work of our match officials, has been instrumental at every level of the game. Emirates’ long-standing dedication underscores the strength of our shared ambition to grow rugby worldwide and reflects our commitment to shaping a new era for the sport.

Together, we will continue to inspire new generations of fans and expand rugby’s reach around the globe.”

In line with Emirates’ commitment to connecting global communities, the airline’s partnership with World Rugby will expand opportunities to collaborate on community engagement initiatives, including grassroots development, across key markets within the Emirates network.

An enduring partnership and deep commitment to rugby worldwide

Emirates' partnership with rugby began in 1987, making it the airline's longest-running sponsorship. The airline began its journey with this sport as the Title Sponsor of the Emirates Dubai Sevens. Emirates was the official airline sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2007, before moving on to become worldwide partner of Rugby World Cup 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023, and Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Through its sponsorship of World Rugby Referees, Emirates also became the first brand ever to feature on the kits of match officials who wear Emirates' "fly better" logo at every international match.

By extending its support as Principal Partner for the next two Women’s Rugby World Cups, Emirates reaffirms its commitment to advancing women’s sports and championing female athletes from grassroots to international competitions.

Professional women's rugby has gained well-deserved recognition in recent years, attracting passionate supporters and investors. Recognising this momentum, Emirates aims to build greater awareness of women's rugby through supporting the sustained development of the sport.

A committed global rugby partner

Emirates' investment in rugby has made the airline one of the sport's most significant commercial supporters worldwide. In addition to its long partnership with World Rugby, the global governing body for the sport, Emirates is also Premier Partner and Official Airline Partner of the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), backing the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.

The airline's comprehensive rugby portfolio spans multiple continents and competitions, including partnerships with Asia Rugby and the UAE Rugby Federation, supporting the development of the sport across emerging markets. Emirates also serves as title sponsor of two of the world's premier rugby Sevens tournaments: the Emirates Dubai Sevens and the Cape Town Sevens, bringing world-class rugby action to fans in key destinations within its global network.

Emirates' rugby investment spans from grassroots development to elite competitions. The airline owns and operates The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, a world-class facility that hosts international tournaments while also serving as a hub for community rugby programmes and grassroots development. Through its partnership with the Dubai Hurricanes, one of Dubai's largest rugby clubs, Emirates drives community-level development and encourages local participation.

A multi-faceted sponsorship portfolio

Emirates' extensive portfolio of global sports and cultural partnerships connects millions of people through shared passions and world-class experiences. The airline's iconic "fly better" branding appears on the jerseys of leading football clubs including Arsenal FC, Real Madrid CF, AC Milan, S.L. Benfica, and Olympique Lyonnais. Emirates also serves as Platinum Partner to FC Bayern Munich's first team. Emirates has been the title sponsor of The FA Cup for nearly a decade. In the UAE, the airline supports the Pro League and appears on Al Ain FC's training kit during the 2025/2026 season.

Beyond football, Emirates' commitment to connecting fans across the globe through shared sporting moments spans horse racing through the Dubai World Cup and Team Godolphin; premier tennis tournaments including the ATP and WTA Dubai Duty Free Championships, and all four Grand Slams (US Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Australian Open); golf via the DP World Tour; cricket across all major ICC events and the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and Lancashire County Cricket Club; sailing with Emirates Team New Zealand, SailGP and Emirates Great Britain Sail GP team; basketball through the NBA, Real Madrid and Beirut Basketball club; cycling with UAE Team Emirates XRG; and Australian rules football with Collingwood FC.