Paris, 7th September 2023

FESI, the Federation of European Sporting Goods Industry, is thrilled to attend the historic final game between the European Parliament rugby team and the UK Parliament rugby team, taking place at the prestigious Stade de la Faisanderie in Paris as part of the Parliamentary Rugby World Cup. This event marks a significant milestone in the world of parliamentary sports, with FESI playing a vital role as a sponsor and supporter of the European Parliament rugby team.

FESI’s Secretary General, Jérôme Pero, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “FESI is proud to be part of this remarkable event that brings together parliamentarians from different countries in the spirit of camaraderie and competition. Sport and rugby, in particular, exemplify values that transcend borders, fostering unity and teamwork.”

The partnership between FESI and the European Parliament (EP) rugby team was made possible through the diligent efforts of FESI’s Vice President, Charlotte Cox, also President EMEA of Pentland Brands, a member company of FESI. Charlotte Cox has been instrumental in facilitating this collaboration and ensuring that the team received the official jersey and equipment, courtesy of Canterbury, the Pentland group’s renowed brand of rugby equipment.

FESI is committed to promoting the positive impact of sports in society, and this partnership exemplifies our dedication to supporting initiatives that embody these values,” stated Charlotte Cox. “We are excited to witness this historic moment and to continue our support for the European Parliament rugby team.”

Philip Cordery, former French MP and General Manager of the European Parliament team, shared his thoughts on the journey so far: “This has been an incredible experience for our team. We are honored to represent the European Parliament on the global rugby stage, and we appreciate FESI’s support and Canterbury’s contribution to our success.”

The Parliamentary Rugby World Cup not only celebrates the sport but also underscores the importance of values such as teamwork, respect, and fair play. FESI is proud to be among the sponsors of this game and extends its heartfelt gratitude to its members Canterbury and Pentland for their invaluable contribution.

FESI has been a steadfast supporter of the European Parliament rugby team from the outset, previously participating in a friendly game last Spring between the EP and the French Parliament teams. Today, we are immensely proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of the European Parliament rugby team, as they secured a triumphant victory against a valiant UK team. After an opening challenging match against the exceptional All Blacks from New Zealand and a tight game against the French, the EP team has concluded its journey on a high note with a splendid victory against the courageous British squad, with a score of 22-12. This victory is a testament to their unwavering determination and resilience throughout the competition, and FESI takes great pride in having supported and stood alongside them during this historic tournament.

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About FESI: The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) is the pre-competitive platform representing the interests of the sporting goods industry in Europe, advancing its members’ priorities and promoting initiatives that benefit the sector, EU citizens and the society as a whole. FESI is the sole stakeholder that provides sporting goods companies with the possibility to leverage their expertise into one steady and coherent voice.

Contact: Ariane Gatti, FESI Communication Manager / [email protected] /+32 (0)2 762 86 48