One million Chinese rugby players in 10 years: Alisports and World Rugby join forces to develop the sport in the mainland
The 10-year agreement will see the company pump in millions of dollars for junior programmes and hosting tournaments
China is hoping to have one million rugby players in 10 years time after Alisports and World Rugby signed a historic agreement on Sunday to develop the game in the mainland.
Zhang Dazhong, CEO of Alisports, signed the agreement with World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset and chief executive Brett Gosper in which the sports arm of e-commerce giant Alibaba will pump in millions of dollars into the development of the sport in China.
"We hope to have one million players in 10 years time," said Zhang. "With one million players it is easier to become a world-class rugby nation."
Alisports will become an official partner of governing body World Rugby, as well as gain broadcast rights for rugby events. They will also work together to develop grassroots and junior programmes for Chinese players, set up a league competition and stage major international tournaments.
We are already planning to stage a major sevens event in China next year like the one in Hong Kong. We also hope to produce a generation of new players for China in 10 years through our grassroots and youth development programmes
Parent company Alibaba will also promote World Rugby membership and merchandising through their e-commerce platforms such as Taobao and Tmall.
