Blackberry will be providing their latest smartphones and tablets to ensure that fans at the tournament are connected to the latest news and action.

Video highlights, live match scores and news will update fans through the use of a free application, Official Rugby World Cup 2011, for BlackBerry users.

Bernard Lapasset, chairman of RWCL, said: "Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted that RIM's BlackBerry brand has joined the impressive portfolio of sponsors and suppliers for Rugby World Cup 2011.

"This partnership with one of the world's most recognisable brands further enhances the enormous prestige and attraction of Rugby World Cup in the global market place.

"The tournament looks set to position rugby in new markets around the world and Blackberry will help us reach out to new communities and audiences."

Adele Beachley, the managing director for RIM Australia and New Zealand, added: "Rugby World Cup 2011 is the most eagerly anticipated sporting event in the world this year and it will be a very exciting time for Rugby supporters around the world.

"RIM is an international provider of smartphones so we felt a partnership with RWC 2011, a global sporting event which is played and watched by people from all over the world, was a great fit.

"Our innovative BlackBerry smartphones and BlackBerry App will allow RWC 2011 officials, referees and fans worldwide to communicate instantly and stay up to date with the matches in New Zealand.

"I'm sure there will be much banter being exchanged between fans using BlackBerry devices all over the world."

BlackBerry are the latest commercial partner of the tournament, joining other leading brands including the likes of MasterCard, Heineken and Coca-Cola.

More fans than ever are expected to tune into this year's World Cup, with more than four billion television viewers anticipated, and 1.6 million spectators expected to attend games.

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