VPN provider IPVanish has announced a new global partnership with the United Rugby Championship (URC) to promote better cybersecurity practices among rugby fans.
The collaboration is part of a campaign called “First Line of Defence,” which aims to raise awareness about digital safety. The goal is to educate both fans and teams about how to protect their personal data and online privacy.
IPVanish General Manager Subbu Sthanu emphasized the importance of security both on and off the field. “Whether it’s on the pitch or online, everyone needs to protect their home,” he said. “This partnership allows us to connect with a passionate, tech-savvy audience and highlight the importance of privacy in everyday life.”
The campaign also supports the work of the league’s Television Match Officials (TMOs), who play a key role in reviewing plays. IPVanish plans to help improve how these decisions are communicated to fans, whether they are in the stadium or watching from home.
The United Rugby Championship is a major annual competition featuring top clubs from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales. It has a large, global fanbase, making it a strong platform for promoting online safety.
This is not the first time a VPN company has joined forces with a sports team to promote cybersecurity. In 2024, ExpressVPN partnered with Tottenham Hotspur. NordVPN began working with Liverpool in 2018 and has since supported several UK teams. Surfshark also formed a partnership with Swedish club AIK.
Although IPVanish is not currently TechRadar’s top-ranked VPN, it has received praise for its fast speeds, strong security features, and reliable access to restricted content.
URC CEO Martin Anayi welcomed the initiative, saying, “IPVanish has a global outlook and a commitment to excellence in cybersecurity. Through this partnership, we aim to show how innovation can create new opportunities to grow the sport.”
