The deal extends MasterCard's association with the event after it struck a deal to become the official partner of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

As part of the agreement, MasterCard secures a comprehensive rights and benefits package that allows the company to deliver "value" to customer financial institutions, merchants and cardholders, including the ability to access "priceless" experiences linked to Rugby World Cup 2015.

"We're excited to extend our partnership with the world's most prestigious and priceless rugby event," said President of international markets of MasterCard Worldwide Ann Cairns.

"Whether in the stands or watching from home, MasterCard will be bringing cardholders across the world closer to the action."

New Zealand star Dan Carter was at the announcement of the deal in London and practised his kicking by having a punt at the famous Tower Bridge from a boat on the River Thames.

Carter is the record points scorer in international rugby with more than 1,400 points, and will be looking to help defend the title won by the All Blacks on home soil in 2011.

"Kicking from the middle of the River Thames was special but the ultimate priceless experience will be pulling on my All Blacks jersey at Rugby World Cup 2015 in England," said the 32-year-old.

The announcement of MasterCard as an official partner follows the appointment of Heineken, Land Rover, Société Générale, DHL and Emirates as Rugby World Cup 2015 worldwide partners along with Gilbert as official ball supplier, Canterbury of New Zealand as official sportswear supplier and Clifford Chance as official law firm.

Dan Carter will be looking to help New Zealand defend their World Cup title at England 2015 ©Getty Images



"We are excited to be renewing our highly-successful partnership with MasterCard, a globally renowned brand, a world leader in the payments technology sector and a true supporter of rugby worldwide," said Rugby World Cup Limited managing director Brett Gosper.

"We look forward to collaborating with MasterCard to further the promotion of rugby around the world through the Rugby World Cup 2015 partnership to inspire new participants and fans and look forward to what promises to be an exceptional England 2015 event on and off the field.

"MasterCard's appointment completes a record-breaking Rugby World Cup 2015 worldwide partner programme with all six global brands confirmed in record time and with record value, underscoring the enormous prestige of Rugby World Cup in the global sporting and business marketplaces and ensuring the profile and financial platforms for rugby to continue its unprecedented growth."

The Rugby World Cup 2015 will be the eighth edition of the event and will see 20 teams taking part in a total of 48 matches in England and Wales from September 18 to October 31.

England 2015 say they hope to sell more than two million tickets for the six-week tournament.

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