Major sponsorship announcement

30/11/2018

Downer announced today that it will be the major sponsor of the inaugural Rugby League World Cup 9s, to be held at the new Western Sydney Stadium on 18 and 19 October, 2019.

The tournament will feature 12 nations in the men’s competition and four teams in the women’s tournament playing a total of 28 matches over 12 hours.

The Downer Rugby League World Cup 9s was officially launched today at Western Sydney Stadium by NRL CEO Todd Greenberg, NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres and NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall. Downer was represented by Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations, Michael Sharp.

“The best players in the world will be on show in this completely unique concept over the course of two days at the brand new Western Sydney Stadium,” Greenberg says. “The whole week will be a celebration of rugby league in Western Sydney, with a number of community initiatives planned.”

Australia Kangaroos coach, Mal Meninga, says the World Cup 9s will be an important concept to grow the game globally.

“I have no doubt that World Cup 9s will be a great way to expand the game at an international level,” Meninga says. “I’m a real advocate for this concept based on what it can do for the international game.”

Downer sponsored the popular Auckland Nines tournament – featuring the 16 NRL club sides – in 2016 and 2017. The Downer World Cup 9s will be a truly international event featuring the world’s best players representing all the major rugby league playing nations.
 
The Downer World Cup 9s will be the Rugby League International Federation’s marquee tournament in 2019 and will be shown live on Channel Nine and around the world.

Tickets will go on sale next year. Register for the waitlist at https://www.nrl.com/waitlist/