USA Rugby and EY Announce Partnership and Digital Consulting Agreement

• EY (Ernst & Young) named as the Official Principal Partner of USA Rugby.
• Partnership will support EY’s diversity & inclusiveness (D&I) program and initiatives, including the Athlete Transition Program, Women Athletes Business Network and Women in Leadership and Technology.
• Two-year partnership encompasses USA Rugby Men’s and Women’s Senior National Teams participating in the annual HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
• EY positioned as Official Professional Services Organization to work with USA Rugby on digital & technological transformations innovating and growing the game. 

USA Rugby is extremely proud to welcome EY as the Official Principal Partner of their Men’s and Women’s senior national teams. This partnership builds on an intensified D&I approach from EY during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 and ongoing support of a globally growing sport. As Principal Partner, EY will provide business strategy, digital and technological transformation services to USA Rugby. This includes fan and player engagement and experience capabilities, marketing and analytics, and development of revenue models.

As of early April, fans will see all USA Men’s and Women’s senior national teams dressed in all new EY branded Canterbury match and training kit. The two-year partnership will culminate in the USA Men’s and Women’s sevens teams challenging for a medal at Tokyo 2020.

As rugby continues to be one of the fastest growing sports worldwide, EY as a global firm is ideally positioned to support the sport - strongly associated with many of EY’s own values - that brings together a wide range of diverse individuals.

This year, USA Rugby will host the Women’s Rugby Super Series 2019 in San Diego and Chula Vista California, June 28 to July 14. The competition will feature the World’s top five ranked women’s 15-a-side teams: New Zealand, England, Canada, France and the USA. At the tournament, USA Rugby will bring together women from key stakeholder groups for a USA Rugby Women’s Leadership Program where EY will share insights, experiences and topic experts to drive the D&I initiative through sport, and rugby.

The partnership continues EY’s involvement in sport by building a legacy within the world of rugby following Rugby World Cup 2015, the British & Irish Lions 2017, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 and most recently, as the Official Professional Services Supplier of Rugby World Cup 2019.

Kelly Grier, EY Americas Area Managing Partner, says: “We know that diverse teams drive unparalleled results and when they're able to leverage their unique strengths with a common purpose, they are best positioned for success. That's why we are proud to support USA Rugby by providing digital transformations to drive innovation around the sport, while promoting the power of diversity – on and off the field.”

Norman Lonergan, EY Global Vice Chair ' Advisory, says: “As a former rugby player, I know that diverse teams are the secret to winning on the field and in business. EY is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and closing the gap on gender parity. That’s why, in addition to helping USAR transform player and fan experiences using digital technology, this sponsorship will also help elevate the conversation around leveraging differences to achieve better results.”

Ross Young, USA Rugby CEO added: “EY has a global reputation not only in the corporate world but for its commitment to supporting sport and its diverse communities of athletes. We believe this reputation, aligned with EY’s focus on using D&I strategies to drive business objectives, combined with their innovation and transformation capabilities will enable USA Rugby to transform and elevate our organization. The proactive nature of the relationship will allow us to embrace new digital platforms, and this key partnership enables the union to ensure world class experiences for our players, fans and members alike.”

About EY: EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

About USA Rugby: Established in 1975, USA Rugby is the governing body for the sport of rugby in America and a Full Sport Member of the United States Olympic Committee. Currently headquartered in Lafayette, Colorado, USA Rugby is charged with developing the game on all levels and has more than 120,000 active members across the youth, High School, College and Senior club level. USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and High School All-American sides, and an emerging Olympic development pathway for elite athletes. It also hosts more than 30 national playoff and championship events each year as a service to its members. In 2018, USA Rugby welcomed the world for Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco, the first-ever Rugby World Cup hosted on American soil. With over 100,000 in attendance, the event broke various American records and has acted as a launching point for the game’s future growth. Visit www.usarugby.org for more information.