Yashenkov underlines promise of innovative fan engagement model

Kirill Yashenkov, Presidential candidate in the forthcoming Rugby Europe elections, has underlined his promise of utilising cutting edge digital tools and technologies to consolidate and rapidly grow audiences in Europe and beyond.

In an increasingly connected world, Yashenkov believes Rugby Europe needs a renovated broadcast and digital offering to drive revenues and engage with existing and new fans. If elected, Yashenkov will launch a Rugby Europe OTT platform, as part of a new and improved digital ecosystem. This will make matches across Europe available anywhere in the world and available in fans’ native languages, allowing Rugby Europe to engage with more fans than ever before.

Yashenkov believes growing audiences and making European rugby accessible to everyone is both a major part of Rugby Europe’s services to member unions as well as a springboard to attract many new commercial partners. Yashenkov has a strong track record in securing sponsorship and already has lined up several major brands for potential partnerships that would double the current income level of Rugby Europe.

Kirill Yashenkov, Vice President of the Rugby Union of Russia, said:

"Under my Presidency, Rugby Europe will optimise the many opportunities presented by OTT, making all matches across Europe viewable anywhere in the world and available in fans’ native languages.

"Rugby Europe must be trusted, transparent and collaborative to be effective and, as the representative of the whole European rugby family, must have strong engagement with all its members. I strongly believe that for this to happen successfully, we need fresh vision and action. It is for this reason that my manifesto outlines the urgent need for an innovative fan engagement model to consolidate and rapidly grow audiences around the world."

The vote for President of Rugby Europe will take place at the organisation’s annual congress on 4 December 2020 which will be held in a virtual format.

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