Asia Rugby, the governing body of rugby on the Asian continent, has inked a landmark strategic partnership agreement with international sports marketing agency Redstrike.
With this partnership, Asia Rugby signalled its intent and firm commitment to strengthening and ensuring value-addition to the development of rugby across Asia – home to 60% of the world population and 80% of the world’s youth population. Banking on Redstrike’s global sports marketing experience and knowledge, Asia Rugby aims to align its products with suitable like-minded brands and commercial partners while at the same time extending dynamic support to its 36 Member Unions in executing long-term commercial strategies ranging from digital rights and sponsorships to expanding content.
Through its Rugby Division, Redstrike will be responsible for developing a strategic commercial and sponsorship programme that unleashes opportunities for companies to sponsor, support and benefit from the growth of the professional game across Asia.
Asia Rugby President Qais Al-Dhalai comments on the inking of the the partnership agreement: “Asia Rugby, as the World Rugby regional association serving the largest continent, offers extraordinary opportunities for commercial partnerships. Upon concluding an extensive due diligence process, after rummaging the market globally, we are very delighted to have Redstrike’s knowledge and experience on hand to secure a sustainable commercially-driven approach to support our vision,”
On the occasion, Redstrike CEO and Founder Mike Farnan stated: “Redstrike are proud to be the only UK department of International Trade ‘Export Champion for sport’. As part of the Miami based Investment fund 777 Partners, Redstrike are thrilled to be a part of this journey. We are very much looking to harness our global sport marketing expertise to enhance opportunities for Asia Rugby partners, associate members and fans.
“Working with Asia Rugby falls in line with our global strategy of supporting the growth of rugby supported by our extensive commercial experience and our International offices in supporting this fantastic opportunity.”
Howard Thomas, Managing Director of Redstrike Rugby, added: “Our partnership with Asia Rugby is 100% in line with Redstrike’s mission of concentrating on emerging markets and undervalued rights. Asia Rugby is exactly that with turbo boosters.
“The Japan-hosted Rugby World Cup 2019, together with the Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore 7’s, ensure Asia’s status as home to some of the most iconic and successful rugby events in the rugby world. It is a fantastic honour to be involved with Asia Rugby and one I and my team will fully commit to. We view this as a long-term project, recognising that it will not be an overnight success. However, we are determined to succeed and look forward to being part of the pathway to delivering success to Asia Rugby.”
