Allianz Commits to Rugby Football Union with Long-Term Partnership

In a landmark move, Allianz has reaffirmed its dedication to rugby by extending its partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) through a substantial, multi-year investment.

This collaboration promises to bolster not only the elite men’s and women’s teams but also aims to inject much-needed support into community rugby clubs across England.

As part of this significant agreement, the iconic Twickenham Stadium will be rebranded as ‘Allianz Stadium’ starting in September.

This 82,000-seater venue, famed for hosting England internationals and major domestic matches, is set to join Allianz’s prestigious roster of sponsored stadia, including the Allianz Arena in Munich and Allianz Parque in São Paulo.

Allianz’s involvement with rugby isn’t new. For the past four years, the insurance giant has been the Official Insurance, Investment, and Asset Management Partner of England Rugby, supporting both the men’s and women’s national teams.

Their commitment extends beyond the professional arena; Allianz has been the title partner of the Premiership Women’s Rugby and the grassroots program ‘Allianz Inner Warrior,’ aimed at encouraging young women to take up rugby.

This expanded partnership will see increased investment in the future of rugby at the community level.

Allianz will launch the Allianz Future Fund, allowing community rugby clubs to apply for financial support. This initiative is designed to ensure the sport reaches all corners of the nation, giving everyone the opportunity to engage with the game.

Colm Holmes, CEO of Allianz UK, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to partner with the RFU to further invest in grassroots clubs, our national teams, and in the home of England Rugby.

We see a strong match between the values and ambitions of Allianz and those of the RFU. With each of the eight stadia we now support around the world, we seek to create the best experience for fans, players, and local communities.”

RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney, echoed this sentiment, noting, “We’re really pleased to be expanding our partnership with Allianz, enabling further investment into the community and professional game.

This partnership will support us in moving the game in a direction which serves all rugby, from minis to the elites, from club coaches to our national coaches and everything in between.”

The Allianz Stadium will host its inaugural match under its new name on 14 September, when the Red Roses take on New Zealand.

Marlie Packer, Red Roses’ captain, shared her excitement: “For me the stadium is massive, it’s HQ, the home and heart of English rugby.

My proudest moment at the stadium was walking out in front of 58,000 fans as captain in a Grand Slam decider with my son as a mascot.”

The significance of Allianz’s investment is also acknowledged by former players. Will Greenwood, a 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, highlighted the importance of community in rugby: “One of the things I enjoyed most about playing rugby, at any level, was the sense of community. I’m excited to see what this partnership does for rugby both internationally and at a grassroots level.”

Similarly, Rachael Burford, a former Red Rose and 2014 Rugby World Cup winner, praised Allianz’s ongoing support: “It’s brilliant to have Allianz extend their support in rugby: they’ve already contributed so much, particularly in the women’s game.

Their commitment to the rugby’s grassroots is so important as our game is fundamentally made up of people who start out at community clubs.”

With this enhanced partnership, Allianz aims to elevate the rugby experience for everyone involved, from the grassroots level to the professional stage, ensuring a thriving future for the sport.