Mastercard and World Rugby begin the one-year countdown to the Rugby World Cup and announce new international ambassadors and Youth Unstoppables series*

Paris, October 7, 2021 – One year after the 2021 Rugby World Cup, to be held in New Zealand, Mastercard reaffirms its commitment to women’s rugby. Maggie Alfonsi, Portia Woodman and Safi Ndiaye join the prestigious Athletes Committee by taking on the role of international brand ambassadors thanks to their fight for women in international sport, and their talents in the field.

“This partnership is above all about breaking down barriers. With the help of Mastercard, we will develop invaluable opportunities for women’s rugby, to inspire a new generation of female players and fans,” English says Maggie Alphonse, inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

“As a global brand ambassador for Mastercard, I put my voice and influence at the service of women’s rugby, with a valuable ally to the cause by my side.” Legendary French player Safi Ndiaye explains. “We share a common goal: to develop a passion for the sport and inspire emerging talent.”

Additionally, Mastercard’s commitment to women’s rugby does not end with sponsoring players and events. As part of the “Women in Rugby” marketing campaign, Mastercard and World Rugby are launching “Youth Unstoppables*,” a unique series of digital content featuring inspiring young female athletes from around the world. This series aims to encourage women and girls to play and watch the sport by highlighting the incredible diversity of women’s rugby, on and off the field, but also by showing how team unity, through solidarity and mutual aid, is its strength. the first episode From this series, it will be broadcast on Monday, October 11, on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl 2021, and it can be watched on Women And on all global rugby social platforms.

“Youth Unstoppables embody the unique values, diversity and inclusion of women’s rugby”, Says Katie Sadler, Executive Director of Women’s Rugby World Championships. “We are delighted with this collaboration with Mastercard, which builds on the unprecedented growth of the sport and which will increase its visibility around the world. “

Famous New Zealand player Portia Woodman : “In my youth, when I started playing rugby, a series like Youth Unstoppables would have shown me the possibilities available to me and would fuel my passion for the sport. I am very happy that this program exists for young players today.”

After each episode of Youth Unstoppables, World Rugby and Mastercard will select invaluable experiences and content for young women who inspire and yearn to participate in the sport, giving them the opportunity to develop their passion. In addition, MasterCard will provide invaluable experiences with Alphonse, Woodman and Ndiaye.

“Mastercard and World Rugby are united by the same unwavering commitment to advancing women in sport and the business world”, announce Raja Rajamanar, Director of Global Marketing and Communications at Mastercard. “By providing invaluable experiences and inspiring content, we can strengthen the bonds between the sport and fans around the world, and encourage young fans to live their passion and participate in this rewarding sport.”

Over the past decade, Mastercard has developed one of the most comprehensive portfolios in women’s sports, supporting players, teams, and competitions. This commitment is demonstrated through partnerships with tennis, golf, e-sports, football and rugby, but also through sponsorship of players, including Crystal Dunn, Naomi Osaka, Kadeisha Buchanan, Pernille Harder, Ada Hegerberg, Sam Kerr, Saki Kumagai, Wendie Renard, Alex Scott, Evji “Sejokes” Deportery, Brooke Henderson, Annika Sorenstam, Chanel Alberts, and Biokohli Nyanda. Mastercard also sponsors structures such as the Arsenal Women’s Football Club, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) women’s team, the Olympique Lyonnais women’s team, the FIFA Women’s Copa America 2022, the Australian Open and the British Women’s Open.

* Unstoppable Youth: The Unstoppable Youth