RFU appoints Capgemini as digital transformation partner

The Rugby Football Union has appointed Capgemini as its Official Digital Transformation Partner in a deal covering the governing body's digital services in England.

The partnership focuses on the RFU's effort to modernise the digital platforms used by players, volunteers and supporters. As part of the organisation's wider transformation strategy, Capgemini will take over the day-to-day running and development of those services.

The work builds on the RFU's existing digital transformation programme and supports its Plan 2030 strategy. The goal is to improve the reliability and usability of core systems while widening access to rugby-related services across the game.

This includes tools and platforms used from grassroots clubs to the elite level. Capgemini will also introduce structured innovation cycles, using data and artificial intelligence to test ideas and scale changes across the sport.

Digital focus

The agreement is intended to modernise how rugby is administered and experienced across England. The RFU wants to use digital channels more effectively to connect with participants, volunteers and fans, while making services easier to use.

The move comes as sports bodies face growing pressure to provide smoother digital experiences across registration, match administration, ticketing, content and community engagement. National governing bodies are also working to make their systems more resilient and accessible as participation models change.

Capgemini has an established presence in sports technology, with experience across golf, sailing, cycling and motorsport. It has also built a presence in rugby through work with World Rugby and Six Nations Rugby.

The appointment adds another commercial and operational partner to the RFU's long-term investment in the sport's infrastructure. Digital systems are increasingly central to how governing bodies manage community participation, support volunteers and communicate with fans.

Claudio Borges, Executive Director of Commercial and Marketing at the RFU, said: "We are delighted to welcome Capgemini onboard as we work together on our Digital Transformation programme.

"Our partnership with Capgemini means we can accelerate digital transformation at all levels of the game. We want our sport to be accessible, engaging and innovative, and this partnership amplifies that. We aim to continually evolve and, with the help of Capgemini, we will be able to do so effectively."

Broader role

The partnership goes beyond maintaining existing systems. Capgemini will help refine the RFU's digital ecosystem and introduce new ways of working, with an emphasis on applying emerging technologies in practical settings.

That matters because the sport depends on a wide network of clubs, match officials, volunteers and local communities. Digital systems support key functions such as registration, communications, scheduling and participation data, making them an important part of the sport's administration.

The two organisations also want the partnership to support rugby's social impact in communities across England. Priorities include widening access to the game, supporting volunteering and helping young people engage with rugby.

Those aims align with the RFU's broader role as the national governing body for rugby union in England. As a members' organisation representing professional and amateur clubs, referee societies and constituent bodies, it reinvests profits back into the sport.

Capgemini is one of Europe's largest technology consulting groups and reported 2025 global revenues of €22.5 billion. The company employs more than 420,000 people across more than 50 countries.

Steven Webb, UK Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Capgemini, said: "We are incredibly proud to join forces with the RFU at such an exciting time for the sport, especially following the recent success of the Red Roses for England.

"By bringing together Capgemini's deep expertise in AI-led digital transformation and the RFU's ambition for the game, we will help elevate and enrich the rugby experience for players, volunteers and fans nationwide."