IMG to Rep Fédération Française de Rugby

Fédération Française de Rugby, the governing body for rugby union in France, has appointed IMG to be its exclusive global licensing representative in a multi-year deal extending through 2024.

“We are pleased to be working with IMG to develop an ambitious licensing program for FFR during the next four years,” says Bernard Laporte, president, FFR. “For decades now, our research has shown that French citizens believe rugby embodies strong values of solidarity, conviviality and respect. With France hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2023, there is a strong opportunity for us to extend our product offering for rugby fans both domestically and internationally.”

The partnership will see IMG devise a licensing program using the recently rebranded France Rugby logo and identity. IMG will aim to maximize global opportunities for supporters to engage with the French rugby teams, grow the existing business and extend into new categories through fan merchandise, sporting accessories and rugby-related products for men, women and children.

“The Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, the first ever held in Asia, was an outstanding success,” says Mickael Andreo, vice president, licensing, IMG. “The sport is currently in a great place, and with France now preparing to host the competition in 2023, we feel very privileged to work with the FFR – one of the most prestigious and respected National teams in the world. We believe there is a lot to build and are looking forward to taking this opportunity to the market.”

IMG recently delivered a licensing program for Rugby World Cup 2019 and continuing its licensing efforts for the 2023 tournament in France.