From the Round Ball to Oval
Kappa proudly engages with sports across different sectors, and when deciding on which, uses passion and culture as key indicators. Rugby, whether it be union or league, is a sport that certainly demonstrates this love of the game both on and off the field. From kid’s teams playing on a Sunday to the elite athletes of national and international clubs, there are communities worldwide that celebrate this historic sport.
The Italian sportswear brand began its relationship with the oval ball by sponsoring its home nation’s team kit in 2000, with the introduction of their newly developed Kombat 2000 which was initially designed for the Italian National Football team. Since then, the sponsorship of the Italian National Rugby Team continued for over ten years, and their involvement with the sport of rugby has since thrived.
Italian National Rugby Team players wearing the Kombat 2000 Kappa® kit.
For the Love of the Competition
Tournaments, especially international tournaments that showcase the best global talent, are the pinnacle of the rugby world. The ‘Omini’ logo has been present at such competitions in recent years, confirming the brand’s commitment to the elite level of the sport.
Since 2019, Kappa has been the official technical clothing partner of the European Professional Club Rugby. The initial sponsorship came at a time when the tournament was celebrating its 25th anniversary and has continued with an extended sponsorship of the two competitions the EPCR organises, the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, through to the 2024/ 2025 season.
In 2021, the Rugby League World Cup selected Kappa to be the official clothing sponsor, serving the match officials, staff, and volunteers with their renowned Italian-style sportswear.
Rugby League World Cup 2021.
Clubs and All Levels
Not only have Kappa sponsored the prestigious competitions above, but the brand recognises the importance of both the club level and grassroots of the game.
In recent years, the ‘Omini’ logo has been seen across team kits in Europe with sponsorship deals made in 2013 with FC Grenoble Rugby and Union Bordeaux Begles, and in 2018 with Castres Olympiques.
In 2019 Kappa made a return to the Stade Francais Paris team kit with a new deal for the 2019 to 2022 seasons, having previously sponsored the team from 2002 to 2005.
Stade Francais Paris players in their Kappa® kit.
The Kappa Rugby Mission
Kappa strives to serve elite sports and sports communities alike, and rugby offers the opportunity for the brand to engage at multiple levels, designing and creating kits for the top-of-the-game competitions, national and international teams right down to the foundations of amateur rugby that creates the pipeline of talent that keeps this loved sport alive. The Italian brand stays true to its heritage by always offering stylish yet technically performing sportswear, with the ambition to enable all players to be at their best, and for the associated communities to keep performing too.
Male rugby player in Kappa® kit.
