Bernard Lapasset, the chairman of the International Rugby Board (IRB), said: “We are delighted to welcome MasterCard as a worldwide partner of Rugby World Cup for the first time.

"The strength of the ongoing commercial programme of the tournament is crucial to our delivery of a world class sporting tournament and ultimately the development of the Game worldwide.

"This relationship with such a prestigious financial group is fantastic for the tournament.

“As a leading sponsor of global sporting and cultural events MasterCard has shown itself to be imaginative and visionary when activating sponsorship campaigns.

"A good example is their sponsorship of the New Zealand All Blacks.”

The deal was officially signed in the presence of All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw, New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key, IRB commercial director Huw Morgan,and Andre Sekulic, the president, of Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard Worldwide.

MasterCard has been granted a significant package of worldwide rights, including the right to use the Rugby World 2011 marks and designations in promotional tie-ins with participating merchants, in advertising and point-of-sale materials, on packaging and on premium items or materials.

It also allows MasterCard to offer event access and exclusive hospitality to its members, merchants and card holders.

Sekulic said: “Sponsorships represent a critical component of MasterCard’s global marketing approach and we are proud to add Rugby World Cup 2011 to our roster of world-class alliances.

"The International Rugby Board has done a commendable job of furthering the development of Rugby and we are pleased to be working with them as a worldwide Partner, preferred card and official payment system of Rugby World Cup 2011.

“We will leverage this unique platform to further deliver shareholder value by creating exclusive business-building opportunities for our customer financial institutions, while building MasterCard brand affinity by offering priceless experiences to MasterCard cardholders."

The Rugby World Cup commercial programme will incorporate six global partners.

MasterCard joins Emirates Airline as worldwide partners and a third partner will be announced in the near future.