USA Rugby, the national governing body for rugby union in the US, has renewed its partnership with Emirates.

Under the terms of the extended deal, the Dubai-based airline will retain its position as the official airline of the US men’s and women’s senior national teams for a further five years.

Emirates’ branding will also continue to feature on the kits of the US sevens and XVs teams, with its logo to appear on the sides’ training kits, as well as on USA Rugby referee, staff and constituent apparel.

USA Rugby will provide the airline with IP rights, broadcast exposure, exclusive content and branding, player access, media and communications inventory and hospitality packages.

In addition, Emirates will serve as the title sponsor of the men’s national team’s summer Test matches, which will be known as the ‘Emirates Airline Summer Series’.

The company will be included in all marketing and promotional messaging, broadcast, in-stadium visibility, player access and hospitality. It will also title sponsor USA Rugby’s Player of the Year awards.

Emirates first agreed a sponsorship deal with USA Rugby in 2009.

“Rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US and is a natural fit for Emirates to complement its other rugby properties,” said Boutros Boutros, senior vice president of corporate communications, marketing and brand at Emirates.

"The team at Emirates has been wonderful to align with," added David Sternberg, chief executive of international marketing at USA Rugby. “Continuing USA Rugby's hand in this partnership was important to the organisation’s brand. Their impression on international sports has been powerful in the progression of rugby, here in the United States."