Macron announces partnership with the United Rugby Championship as Match Officials Kit Partner

Macron consolidates its role as an international leader in sportswear and a benchmark brand in the world of rugby by announcing a prestigious new partnership agreement. Starting in the 2025/26 season, the Italian brand will be the new match officials kit partner of the United Rugby Championship (URC), supplying technical clothing to match officials for one of the most prestigious competitions in this sport.

This partnership is part of a process that began with agreements signed in 2022 with World Rugby and in 2024 with EPCR, confirming Macron’s role at the heart of elite rugby in providing high-performance clothing to those who ensure the fairness and integrity of the game at its highest levels.

Macron will supply all on-field and off-field technical apparel for match officials across both hemispheres, underlining its commitment to delivering innovative and functional sportswear for one of the most demanding roles in rugby.

The United Rugby Championship brings together professional teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales. Over the years it has become firmly established as one of the premier competitions in world rugby, thanks to its innovative format and consistently high level of play. With this partnership, Macron further strengthens its presence in the competition, where seven of the 16 participating teams are already dressed by the brand (Cardiff Rugby, Connacht, Edinburgh Rugby, Glasgow Warriors, Lions, Ospreys and Zebre Parma).

“The United Rugby Championship is one of the most prestigious and exciting competitions in world rugby, and we are honoured to support all match officials taking part in this tournament,” said Gianluca Pavanello, CEO of Macron. “This partnership further strengthens our global leadership in rugby and reflects our constant commitment to developing innovative and high-performance products, tailored to meet the specific needs of those who carry the responsibility of officiating at the highest level.”

Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, said: “We are delighted to welcome Macron as the URC’s match officials kit partner. Our officials are central to the integrity of the URC, and it is vital that they are supported with the very best apparel. Macron is already a valued partner to many of our clubs, so this collaboration feels like a natural fit. At the URC, we place huge value on partnerships that share our vision for excellence, innovation and growth, and Macron will bring all of those qualities to this important role.”

The 2025/26 United Rugby Championship kicks off on Friday 26 September – 151 matches across 21 weekends, 16 teams, 5 territories, in 2 hemispheres.