Mastercard announce Michael as RWC 2019 Ambassador

On November 7, 2017 (JST), Mastercard which signed a Partnership Agreement to be a Worldwide Partner of "Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan,” announced that it has upgraded three athletes to the rank of Mastercard Ambassador: namely, Michael Leitch, representing Japan national team captain, Akihito Yamada (also representing Japan) and New Zealand star Dan Carter, three-time winner of the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award.

The Mastercard RWC 2019 Ambassadors will help bring the RWC to life for Mastercard which always looks to connect its customers and cardholders with priceless possibilities. Via Priceless Experiences, consumer promotions or Meet and Greets the ambassadors will be a key element of Mastercard’s RWC 2019 activation plan. Mastercard has a long history in sports sponsorships and always looks to enhance the fan experience and provide its cardholders with exclusive benefits and priceless experiences.

Following the announcement of the ambassadors, Nandan Mer, Division President for Japan, Mastercard, commented, "All employees are extremely delighted at the inauguration of ambassadors Michael Leitch and Akihito Yamada, who represent the host nation, as well as rugby world legend Dan Carter, who has been a Mastercard ambassador since 2014. As a Worldwide Partner we look forward with excitement to delivering value-added priceless experiences linked to this tournament for rugby fans throughout the world, to all Mastercard members and partner companies.”

Mastercard is offering those who apply for tickets using their Mastercard the chance to receive a double entry in the ticketing ballot for the opportunity to secure tickets to each of the matches they apply for. Fans will be able to apply for tickets with via a ballot system from January 2018.