Microsoft unveils RWC sponsorship deal

Microsoft NZ managing director Paul Muckleston. Photo / Supplied

Microsoft has announced it will provide technology and software for this year's Rugby World Cup.

The deal will see Microsoft offer a range of services, including the Silverlight Media Player, which could stream online video footage of the Cup online.

Silverlight technology has been used at other events such as the Winter Olympics.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Microsoft New Zealand chief executive Paul Muckleston said the move was exciting as the company had never before aligned itself with a major sporting event.

He also said the Cup offered a unique opportunity for New Zealand tech companies to show off their products to the world.

"The number of international visitors anticipated to attend the tournament means as Kiwis this is our chance to showcase our country," Muckleston said.

While unveiling the sponsorship package, former world-cup winning All Black and former FairFax Media chief executive David Kirk spoke about the role technology now plays at sporting events and gave the audience a run-down on his predictions for which team will shine at the upcoming tournament.

The sponsorship deal is worth over $2 million.