RUGBY LEAGUE World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has announced global sportswear brand, Kappa, as an official sponsor of the tournament.

The Italian sportswear giant has signed a deal to become the Official Apparel Sponsor of RLWC2021, which will include the brand supplying kit for all RLWC2021 match officials, volunteers and staff.

Kappa has supplied eye-catching sportswear for over 60 years to a wide range of sports including rugby, basketball, athletics, motorsport and sailing, and iconic teams within football such as Juventus, AC Milan, Napoli, AS Monaco and FC Barcelona. Currently Kappa is involved in the UK with the Premier League club Aston Villa FC and are also the proud sponsors of Salford Red Devils in the Super League.

“The Kappa ‘Omini’ logo is symbolic with gender equality and community and aligns with our inclusive values and approach at RLWC2021.”

Jonathan Neill, Commercial Director at RLWC2021

As part of the partnership, the brand will also create a range of clothing merchandise that will be available to purchase online and at RLWC2021 matches, which is expected to be available to fans later this year.

The brand and its iconic ‘Omini’ logo has huge cultural significance historically and increasingly in new contemporary fashion, being worn by some of the most recognisable celebrities in the world.

Important

Jonathan Neill, Commercial Director at RLWC2021, said: “Kappa share our vision in delivering the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup ever, and will play a hugely important role in doing so.

“The Kappa ‘Omini’ logo is symbolic with gender equality and community and aligns with our inclusive values and approach at RLWC2021, which will see the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments run concurrently for the first time.

“We are delighted to be part of the RLWC2021 and expand our growing reputation in rugby league.”

Dave Bandell, UK Teamwear Manager at Kappa

“With a heritage and expertise in sports apparel and lifestyle fashion, and a commitment to being innovative and digitally led, Kappa will help increase the profile of RLWC2021 by transcending the sport of rugby league and driving wider fan engagement.”

Dave Bandell, UK Teamwear Manager at Kappa, added: “We are delighted to be part of the RLWC2021 and expand our growing reputation in rugby league.

“It really appealed to us especially with the legacy programme and also the inclusion of the women’s and wheelchair events. We are sure our vast range of product will appeal to the rugby league community and beyond, and help make this the most successful Rugby League World Cup in history.”

Jamaica will make their debut at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup having failed to qualify on two previous occasions in 2013 and 2017. They will become the second nation from the Americas region to play in the World Cup after United States first took part in 2013.

Please visit www.RLWC2021.com for more information on the tournament.