1 million players targeted as rugby strikes Alibaba deal to touch down in China

Rugby is about to touchdown in style in China. The game’s governing body, World Rugby, has signed a 10-year deal with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba to increase playing numbers and bring major events to the world’s most populous country. The deal will allow Alibaba’s new sports division to broadcast exclusive rugby content, create online rugby stores and invest in World Rugby’s grassroots programme. "We hope to have one million players in 10 years time,“ said Zhang Dazhong, CEO of Alisports. "With one million players it is easier to become a world-class rugby nation.”

Rugby is such an exciting game with much teamwork and we’ve recognised its exceptionally positive character-building values

Alisports CEO Zhang Dazhong

Rugby is experiencing a surge in Asia, thanks to its inclusion in this year’s Olympics and the upcoming 2019 World Cup in Japan. Although China has no heritage in the sport, there is further interest ahead of its return to the Olympics later this year in Rio de Janeiro. No financial terms were revealed for the deal unveiled on Sunday at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament. But Alisports has been investing heavily with deals for bringing football, American football, boxing and basketball to the Chinese audience.

This deal will ensure an unprecedented platform for rugby to reach, engage and inspire new participants across China

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset

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