Rugby World Cup 2019 Mascots Ren-G call on rugby fans to ‘pass it back’ and help disadvantaged children in Asia

11 June 2019, Japan: With 101 days to go until the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, World Rugby and ChildFund are thrilled to announce that the world’s most famous and recognisable shishi – Ren-G – are lending their support as Ambassadors to ChildFund Pass It Back, a key component of Rugby World Cup 2019’s Impact Beyond legacy programme. Embodying the five values of rugby – integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect the Rugby World Cup 2019 mascots Ren-G aim to use their celebrity status for good and are calling on rugby fans around the globe to ‘pass it back’ for disadvantaged children in Asia. For Ren, who loves the connections that rugby creates, being an Ambassador for ChildFund Pass It Back is an important way to bring people together – the fans around the world, and those children living in developing communities who are facing significant challenges due to poverty. G loves the fighting spirit and fair play of rugby and believes all children, regardless of their birthplace, should be given an equal opportunity to benefit from the transformative power of sport. But most importantly, Ren-G feel that being Ambassadors for ChildFund Pass It Back is about solidarity. Through their support of ChildFund Pass It Back, they want to see everyone share the spirit of rugby and give more children and young people the chance to play, learn and grow. To date, the ChildFund Pass It Back programme has already benefited more than 10,000 children across Asia, with its unique curriculum that integrates tag rugby and life skills learning to help young people in a range of areas including leadership, problem-solving, gender equity, conflict resolution and planning for the future. Over 50 per cent of participants are girls and young women. In an incredible show of solidarity and generosity from the global rugby family, as well as Rugby World Cup 2019’s worldwide commercial partners, a record GBP £1.5 million has been pledged to ChildFund Pass It Back, strongly showcasing rugby’s values. The pledged funds will enable more than 25,000 children and young people from disadvantaged communities across Asia to take part in and benefit from the programme. Ren-G want to increase that number even further, and you can help their efforts by making a donation when purchasing tickets to RWC 2019 which are on sale now at www.tickets.rugbyworldcup.com . Alternatively, you can donate directly to ChildFund Pass it Back and give more children the opportunity to play, learn and grow through rugby. Media Contact: Larissa Tuohy. Tel: +61 437 337 118 E:  ltuohy@childfund.org.au