IHG Hotels & Resorts announced it is the Official Hotel Provider for the Wallabies and Official Supplier of the Wallabies, extending its agreement until the end of 2024. The extension of its agreement comes off the back of a longstanding and successful partnership with Australian Rugby, which dates back two decades.

As part of the agreement, all Rugby Australia teams including the Wallabies, Wallaroos, Men’s and Women’s 7’s teams and Super W teams will stay at IHG hotels around Australia and New Zealand, along with Rugby Australia operations teams and executives.

In a further coup for the hotel group, IHG has also extended its agreement with SANZAR as their Exclusive Hotel Partner– incorporating the Super Rugby Pacific and The Rugby Championship tournaments in Australia and New Zealand.

Dean Jones, Vice President of Commercial for IHG Japan, Australasia and Pacific, said “IHG has had a long relationship with Rugby Australia and we are honoured to be extending our partnership with Rugby Australia and SANZAR, but celebrating 20 successful years working together and hosting players and staff across our network. Our hotel teams love hosting the Wallabies and players from across the globe and providing a safe and secure environment allowing them to perform at their best on the field. The extension of the Rugby Australia and SANZAR contracts is a clear sign of confidence in our capabilities and we’re thrilled to be extending these partnerships.”

Brendan Morris, CEO of SANZAR, said, “SANZAR is delighted to be extending its long term partnership with IHG. In managing two of the best international rugby competitions (Super Rugby Pacific and The Rugby Championship), it is important to provide the teams with world class support to be able to perform at their best. With IHG we know we are partnering with the best in the business. We would like to thank IHG and all of the hotels for their amazing support over the past two years through the global pandemic and are looking forward to a successful extension of our partnership”.

Andy Marinos, CEO of Rugby AU, stated “IHG remains a valued partner of Rugby Australia, as evidenced by our decades-long relationship.

“They have stuck by us through the peaks and troughs, always making sure our teams feel welcomed and at home away from home.

“To be able to extend this relationship shows an alignment of values and passion for the game, and we are extremely grateful to be able to count on IHG as a longstanding partner of our game.”

IHG has also announced a partnership agreement with the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) through to the end of the 2025 season, further cementing IHG’s support of the global game of Rugby.