IHG Hotels & Resorts cements its place as the home of Australian Rugby

2 July 2026, Sydney, Australia: IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, is renewing its partnership with Rugby Australia, extending a 24-year relationship for a further three years through to 2028. The partnership has seen IHG hotels welcome players, team management and Rugby Australia colleagues across the globe while helping fans stay close to the game across Australia and New Zealand.

The renewal marks the next chapter in IHG’s commitment to Australian Rugby, continuing a partnership that has supported teams, colleagues and fans across more than two decades.

Major sporting events play an important role beyond the field, driving travel demand, accommodation needs and visitor spend across host cities. For IHG, the partnership reinforces the connection between sport, hospitality and destination visitation as Australia prepares for a significant period of international rugby.

Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Rugby Australia has been part of IHG’s story for 24 years, and we are incredibly proud to continue a partnership that means a great deal to our business partners, hotel teams, colleagues and guests.
“Rugby is a truly international sport, with a unique ability to bring people together across countries and communities, which makes it a natural fit for IHG and our world of travel and hospitality.
“As the game continues to build momentum, this renewal gives us the opportunity to keep supporting Rugby Australia, the Wallabies, the Wallaroos and the fans who follow them, while creating even more value for our guests and IHG One Rewards members.”

Phil Waugh, CEO, Rugby Australia, said the renewal marked another important chapter in one of Australian Rugby’s most enduring partnerships.
“IHG is one of Rugby Australia’s longest-standing partners, and this renewal speaks to the strength of a relationship that has been built over more than two decades.
“The best partnerships are grounded in shared values and long-term outcomes, not short-term visibility. IHG has consistently shown up for Rugby Australia, welcoming our teams, management and people across Australia and New Zealand, and playing an important role in supporting both the game and the fans that follow it.
“We are proud to continue this partnership and look forward to working together as we keep building momentum for the game and bringing fans closer to Australian Rugby.”

Through the renewed partnership, IHG will continue to support Rugby Australia across Australia and New Zealand, while using its hotel network and IHG One Rewards platform to bring fans closer to the game through match-day moments, stays and money-can’t-buy rugby experiences. The renewal follows IHG’s support of last year’s Lions Tour, which brought fans together across Australia and created memorable moments across IHG’s hotel network.

IHG’s portfolio across Australia and New Zealand spans key capital city, regional and leisure destinations, supporting major sporting, business, and cultural events across the region.