As rugby fans around the world begin their countdown to Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027, Emirates has touched down in Sydney with its new Rugby World Cup livery on one of its flagship A380 aircraft, A6-EVH.
Operating as EK412, the aircraft arrived in Sydney before continuing on to Christchurch, New Zealand, visiting the two countries on its first flight in its new colours.
Drawing inspiration from the official Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 logo, the orange design features a large rugby ball at its centre and references Australia’s role as host nation.
This marks Emirates’ fifth consecutive Rugby World Cup livery, continuing a tradition that began in 2011. A6-EVH will carry the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 colours across Emirates’ global network for a full year ahead of the tournament in Australia.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said, “Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 is coming to Australia, and we are thrilled to mark that occasion by bringing our Rugby World Cup livery to Sydney for the very first time. Emirates has been a passionate supporter of rugby for nearly four decades. As we celebrate 30 years of flying to Australia, this livery is a symbol of everything we stand for: a love of sport, a passion for connecting people, and a steadfast commitment to Australia.”
Emirates is a commercial supporter of rugby worldwide. The airline’s involvement began in 1987 as Title Sponsor of the Emirates Dubai Sevens, making it the longest-running sponsorship in the airline’s sports portfolio.
In 2025, Emirates renewed its partnership with World Rugby through to 2035, becoming the first organisation in World Rugby’s history to hold Platinum Partner status. The agreement covers Men’s Rugby World Cups in 2027, 2031 and 2035, Women’s Rugby World Cups in 2029 and 2033, and qualifying rounds for all tournaments. Emirates has been a worldwide partner of every Rugby World Cup since 2011 and also sponsors World Rugby’s referees and match officials. In 2027, the airline will mark 20 years of supporting Rugby World Cup tournaments.
