A sports equipment brand based in Devon is set to supply all the teams competing at next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
Aramis Rugby, which provides professional sides with training gear including scrum machines, balls, and kit has been announced as an official supporter of the sport’s showpiece tournament, which kicks off in September 2023.
The company, whose global headquarters are based in South Molton, will provide training, grounds and fitness equipment to the 20 participating national teams.
The family business, run by Indian couple Vikas and Roshni Mahajan, said R&D investments it had made into its digital scrummaging machine would give coaches “previously unavailable” data, boosting performance analysis.
Mr Mahajan, the company’s founder and chief executive, said: “Being named as official supporter of Rugby World Cup 2023 is the biggest milestone to date for Aramis Rugby, and one that we are hugely proud to achieve.
“At the forefront of our business is investing in world-leading technology to provide players, clubs and the sport with the best-in-class training equipment. We are honoured to be able to bring this level of innovation to the biggest sporting stage in rugby and are very excited to see what France 2023 will hold.”
The chief executive of the tournament's organising committee Claude Atcher added: "Through Aramis Rugby’s innovative technology, all 660 players of the next Rugby World Cup will have everything they need to perform on the world’s biggest rugby stage.”
The official announcement was made at an event at the House of Commons attended by former player Will Greenwood, who was part of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winning side, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Mr Greenwood said: “Having coached and played at Rugby World Cups, I fully understand the need for new innovative coaching methods and practices to develop a winning team.
“Aramis Rugby’s digital scrum machine is one of those innovations that can help players and coaches reach the next level by providing them with a new level of insight into performance and is therefore fit for the biggest stage in rugby.”
Aramis Rugby’s parent company was founded in India in 1927, and it still owns and runs factories in the country in addition to its manufacturing base in North Devon, as well as offices worldwide.
Aramis Rugby (UK) was founded in 2003, with its headquarters incorporated at South Molton a decade later.
Rugby World Cup 2023 will take place in France from September 8 to October 28, with matches played in nine venues across 10 host cities. The tournament will be the 10th men’s Rugby World Cup and the second to be hosted by France.
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