2019 will be a big year for rugby.

The World Cup is on the horizon, to be held in Japan as the sport seeks to grow its reach into new and non-traditional territories. Well before that, this year’s Six Nations will be a hugely important one for the northern hemisphere’s countries as they get ready for the World Cup itself. And in between, how the sport grows its fan base and its commercial revenue will be crucial. This could well be one of the most important years in the sport’s history.

With the World Cup coming to Japan and the sport’s attempts to grow in the USA, its presence on social and digital media – which at the moment lags behind sports like football or basketball – needs to take a big leap forward.

So how can rugby ensure that it is marketed the best it can be for the challenges it will face over the next few years.

Our panel will explore the best strategies, the biggest opportunities and the most relevant threats to the sport’s growth over the next 12 months and beyond.

So come and join us at Pinsent Masons for a night’s discussion about the state of the sport, make some new connections and have a few free drinks on us!

Moderator

Rupert Pratt – Director, Snack Media and Digital Sport

Panel

Martyn Hindley – Head of Communications and PR, EPCR

James Abraham – Content and Programming Manager, World Rugby

Shane Whelan – Digital Manager, Six Nations

Sven Gloor – Senior Manager Global Rugby Strategy & Planning, HSBC

With a pre-panel introduction by Jim Hamilton, Rugby Pass