Rugby Expo

Testimonials

Rugby Expo 08 - What they have to say about it...

"Every player wants to contribute in any way they can to the growth of the game and with Rugby Expo’s focus on grass roots and the developing nations, I am delighted to be involved with such a concept.”

Danny Cipriani, Rugby Player - Wasps and England

“The business world of rugby has needed an event like Rugby Expo for quite some time.  It promises to provide fantastic networking opportunities for attendees and will give them valuable insight into rugby’s hot topics. Anyone serious about the commercial side of the sport should be there.”

Martin Bayfield, Former England Rugby International; Ambassador - Rugby Expo, Commercial Director – ENS Ltd

“The feedback and support we have had to date from the rugby authorities, clubs and businesses has been overwhelming and extremely positive. We are delighted that Rugby Expo is up and running and are confident that it will grow from strength to strength as the years progress.”

Keiran Gaffney, Commercial Manager - Rugby Expo

“Rugby has seen significant challenge, change and progression over the past 12 years and the emergence of Rugby Expo is a wonderful and timely event to identify new opportunities moving forward and celebrate generic 'oval ball' growth and impact to date."

Abi Ekoku, Ex Great Britain RL Team Manager & CEO - Bradford Bulls RLFC

“As a player who has performed under both rugby codes, I understand the different strengths each code has to offer on and off the pitch. I believe Rugby Expo is the perfect platform to share the knowledge gained on the pitch from playing each respective code and will also highlight the opportunities that Rugby League and Union has to offer business off the pitch”.

Henry Paul, Dual International - England RFU & NZ RFL

“We have to invest more energy and funding in countries such as Japan and the USA for this to become a truly global sport. Rugby Expo provides the framework for these countries to meet big business and a wider rugby fraternity–which will hopefully lead to better structures and financial backing in countries such as these."

Nigel Wray, Chairman - Saracens

“Rugby Expo is an innovative and potentially highly significant project. The concept is well timed as British sport, in particular rugby union, continues its exciting journey of development.I am very much looking forward to attending next November."

John Steele, Chief Executive - UK Sport

“I am sure Rugby Expo will be a forum which can be used to debate really pressing issues such as a global season for pro rugby and the rescheduling of tours to benefit smaller nations. The need for serious debate is genuine and Rugby Expo will allow us that opportunity that Global Rugby needs."

Nick Mallett, Director of Rugby - Italy

“A global annual rugby industry event is a great new way to continue the development of the game post Rugby World Cup.”

Warren Gatland, Head Coach - Wales

“Rugby Expo will bring all the decision makers of the game together under one roof over two days, basically to do business. I couldn’t think of anything better.”

Charlie Beauchamp, Group Director, Consulting - Fast Track

"The Guinness Premiership clubs have a combined turnover of circa £100m. Professional rugby is a big business and growing fast. This is the right time in our evolution for an event of this kind."

Jon Varney, Commercial Director - Premier Rugby

“Rugby Expo wants to tackle wider issues in the game. The developing nations are imperative to drive the game forward in the future and it is great that Rugby Expo wants to play its part in looking at those issues and hopefully find solutions to expand the market for rugby and help to make it a truly global game.”

Mark Sinderberry, CEO - Saracens

“The world of rugby has been in need of something like this. Coming now as the IRB look to improve the reach and profile of rugby as a global sport makes great sense.”

Simon Cohen, Director of Rugby Operations - Leicester Tigers

“Anything that brings the world of rugby together to discuss the global game has got to be a good thing”

Dean Ryan, Head Coach - Gloucester Rugby

“Rugby Expo is an opportunity for the global business of rugby to get together under one roof - an opportunity not to be missed. ”

Roger Lewis, Chief Executive - Welsh Rugby Union

“A great way for all the interested parties in rugby – players’ unions, clubs, governing bodies and brands – to get together at the same time.”

Brian O’Driscoll, Ireland and British Lions Captain

“I am sure that Rugby Expo will attract all the right people. A great idea and an excellent way to get the decision makers in one place together.”

Dean Richards, Director of Rugby - Harlequins RFC

“Rugby Expo is a great idea. It is perfect for clubs to meet all the suppliers, its perfect for administrators because they are there to discuss the issues in the game. It will certainly help the game as a whole, and something that I would have no hesitation in throwing my support behind.”

Alan Gaffney, Director of Rugby - Saracens

“Rugby Expo is a signal that both codes of rugby are continually investing in their development. The confluence of everyone with an interest in the sport of rugby can only lead to positive relationships being formed to carry the game to the next level.”

Jon Wilkin – Player, St Helens and Great Britain Rugby League International

“Although my playing career is over, my passion for rugby is very much still alive so I like to keep as involved in the sport as possible. Rugby has a huge following world-wide but to take the game further, it's crucial that there's continued support for the grass roots and also the developing nations. Rugby Expo is geared towards doing this through strengthening the commercial foundations of rugby, and if these are solid, the future of the sport can only get brighter. I am proud to be an ambassador for Rugby Expo”

Tim Horan, former Australia International