On 1st December 2016, on the eve of the Series opener, a joint announcement took place in Dubai between the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and Tag Heuer to herald their new partnership. Marc Biver, Global Sports Director for TAG Heuer and Agustin Pichot, World Rugby Vice Chairman held a press conference in the presence of five legends of Rugby Sevens: Karl Tenana, Rob Vickerman, Julien Candelon, Vincent Inigo, Lewis Holland. TAG Heuer becomes the Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the entire Series and is also the first luxury Timekeeping brand to enter the world of Rugby Sevens.
Following the press conference, the five stars took part with seven young players from the Dubai Rugby League in a TAG Heuer Rugby Challenge on a giant target in the shape of the Carrera Heuer 01 chronograph. TAG Heuer used the occasion to donate USD 10,000 to the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children.
The relationship between TAG Heuer and the World Rugby Sevens was forged in 2015, with an initial partnership for the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Tournament. But from 1st December 2016, the brand will enjoy a global Rugby Sevens presence.
In terms of visibility, the watch brand will be represented in all the strategic locations involved in the competition. On TV screens TAG Heuer will countdown viewers to each match kick off, half time, second half and full time. On big screens in the stadium, counting down to kick off, on field perimeter hoardings and LED screens around the pitch inside the stadium. TAG will also have a presence on the podiums and backdrops during interviews.
