Allianz and RFU Announce Major Partnership to Boost Rugby from Grassroots to Elite Levels

In a significant development for English rugby, Allianz, one of the world’s leading insurers, and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) have announced an extension of their partnership, with Allianz committing to a substantial, long-term investment in the sport.

This transformative partnership aims to benefit not only the elite men’s and women’s teams but also to positively impact community clubs across the country. Allianz and the RFU will provide significant financial support to grassroots rugby, ensuring sustained future investment in the community game.

Allianz has a long history of supporting rugby. As the Official Insurance, Investment, and Asset Management Partner of England Rugby, Allianz has supported both the men’s and women’s national rugby union teams for the past four years, a commitment that will continue under this new partnership. It will also see Twickenham Stadium renamed as the Allianz Stadium.

Additionally, Allianz is dedicated to promoting women’s rugby. The company has been the title partner of Premiership Women’s Rugby and a partner of the grassroots programme ‘Allianz Inner Warrior,’ which encourages young women to take up rugby.

The new partnership will see Allianz increase its investment in the future of rugby by supporting players, spectators, and fans within the community. Allianz’s goal is to help the sport reach every corner of the nation, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to play rugby.

As part of this commitment, Allianz will be a key partner in the RFU’s community engagement programme and will launch the Allianz Future Fund, allowing community rugby clubs to apply for funding.

This partnership marks the beginning of many initiatives aimed at uplifting players and clubs at the local level, ensuring England’s rich legacy in rugby continues.

Colm Holmes, CEO of Allianz UK, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with the RFU to further invest in grassroots clubs, our national teams, and the home of England Rugby. We see a strong match between the values and ambitions of Allianz and those of the RFU.”

Will Greenwood, 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, highlighted the community aspect of 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. With more eyes on the game, I hope it can inspire the next generation of players.”

Rachael Burford, former Red Rose and 2014 Rugby World Cup winner, praised Allianz’s continued 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 rugby’s grassroots is crucial, as our game is fundamentally made up of people who start out at community clubs. These will be the players who ultimately play at the stadium one day, or the club fans and volunteers who pack out the stands. It’s hugely exciting that Allianz Stadium will now be part of a global family.”