Tag Archives: FFR

Fédération Française de Rugby names ORECA its official online store partner in IMG deal

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Fédération Française de Rugby, the governing body for rugby union in France, has named ORECA as its official online store partner, in a deal brokered by the federation’s licensing agency, IMG.

Under the new partnership, ORECA will operate the online Fédération Française de Rugby shop, sales promotion and marketing, using the re-branded France Rugby logo and identity. The launch of the new website last week coincides with the intoduction of the new France Rugby jersey developed by Le Coq sportif.

Serge Simon, vice president of Fédération Française de Rugby, said: “The different rugby teams are at the dawning of big challenges for the years to come, during which the Fédération Française de Rugby is also pursuing its digital transformation.

“The French Rugby Federation is therefore proud to launch its new eCommerce shop, where all supporters and rugby fans will be able to embrace products that bear our famous rooster. This new platform will provide the opportunity to showcase the new jersey of the French rugby teams.”

Raphaël de Chaunac, vice president of ORECA, added: “We are delighted with this collaboration, which represents a business diversification for our company and we would like to thank FFR and IMG. Becoming the official online store operator of France Rugby highlights that we are at the service of the fans and the people practicing this sport.”

Mickael Andreo, vice president of licensing, IMG, added: “We are entering a highly strategic period for rugby in France with last month marking three years to go until France hosts Rugby World Cup 2023. Working with specialists in each area of the licensing ecosystem, we will allow the FFR to reach out to the fans with a compelling, qualitative and adapted product offer and services. We are delighted to welcome ORECA as part of our licensee family.”

Rugby World Cup 2023 will be played across nine cities in France and will take place September, 8th 2023 – October, 21 2023.

Fédération Française de Rugby names IMG its global licensing agent

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

Under the new deal, IMG will develop a licensing programme using the recently rebranded France Rugby logo and identity, while looking to take the brand to new global audiences.

IMG will work to grow the existing business and extend FFR into new categories through fan merchandise, sporting accessories and iconic rugby related products for men, women, and children.

Bernard Laporte, president, FFR, commented: “We are pleased to be working with IMG to develop an ambitious licensing programme for FFR during the next four years. 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.”

Mickael Andreo, vice president of licensing, IMG, added: “The Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, the first ever held in Asia, was an outstanding success. 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.”

Rugby is one of the most popular sports in France, with 23 million people aged 15 and older following the sport. During the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, 19 million French fans followed their national team’s progress and, on average, France national team games attract more than five million TV viewers.

The deal strengthens IMG’s position in the rugby sector, with the agency having recently delivered a record-breaking licensing programme for Rugby World Cup 2019 and continuing its licensing efforts for the 2023 tournament in France.