Emirates has announced a three-year multi million pound sponsorship contract with the International Rugby Board (IRB). This sponsorship will see the Dubai-based airline become the first official sponsor of the IRB’s international referees.

IRB Chief Executive Officer, Mike Miller, said: “This is a significant and substantial commercial partnership and I am delighted to welcome Emirates as an official partner to the IRB.”

Gary Chapman, President Group Services and Dnata, Emirates Group, said: “Emirates has been a supporter of rugby for a number of years, seen through our sponsorship of Sevens Rugby at an international level since 1986.

“We are very pleased to have increased our support for Rugby at the highest level in partnership with the IRB and that our investment will help to play a significant role with its panels of referees and match officials. We look forward to a productive relationship that will deliver real benefits for both organisations in the months and years ahead.”

Sponsoring the IRB’s international referees is the latest example of Emirates’ support for sport around the world, and gives the airline a unique presence within three of the major global sports.

Emirates is also an Official Partner of this year’s FIFA World Cup™ which, along with sponsorships such as this one with the IRB, places the airline among the very best sporting events in the world and adds to Emirates position as a truly global brand.