Fashion brand Under Armour announced a long-term partnership with the Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA), making the global performance brand the official outfitter of the Chinese National Flag Football Team and the Chinese National Men's 7s Rugby Team. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Under Armour announced a long-term partnership with the Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA), making the global performance brand the official outfitter of the Chinese National Flag Football Team and the Chinese National Men's 7s Rugby Team.

This collaboration marks a strategic investment in the burgeoning rugby and flag football landscape in China, particularly as flag football prepares for its debut as an official sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Fashion brand Under Armour announced a long-term partnership with the Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA), making the global performance brand the official outfitter of the Chinese National Flag Football Team and the Chinese National Men's 7s Rugby Team. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The popularity of flag football is rising in China. The partnership extends beyond elite team outfitting as Under Armour and the CRFA will jointly develop and implement initiatives aimed at fostering grassroots participation, establishing robust training infrastructures, and creating clear pathways for athlete development from youth levels to international competition.

This comprehensive approach seeks to harness the momentum of the growing popularity and rapid expansion of both sports within China.

Fashion brand Under Armour announced a long-term partnership with the Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA), making the global performance brand the official outfitter of the Chinese National Flag Football Team and the Chinese National Men's 7s Rugby Team. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The story of Under Armour starts with football. The spirit of grit, teamwork, and determination of the sport embodies our brand,'' said Simon Pestridge, Vice-President of Marketing (APAC) and General Manager of Under Armour China.

"As a driving force of football worldwide, we are truly honored to partner with the Chinese Rugby Football Association. Driven by our inherent underdog mentality, we are dedicated to unleashing the raw potential of young Chinese athletes, propelling them to excel on the world stage."

Fashion brand Under Armour announced a long-term partnership with the Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA), making the global performance brand the official outfitter of the Chinese National Flag Football Team and the Chinese National Men's 7s Rugby Team. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang Yun, the chairman of the Chinese Rugby Football Association said; "Flag football's inclusion in the Olympics marks a golden era for the development of rugby and flag football in China. Our collaboration transcends mere commercial partnership, it represents a powerhouse alliance rooted in shared vision. We believe through resource integration and innovation in practices, this initiative will foster the growth of rugby and flag football in China."

As part of the partnership, Under Armour will provide the national teams with high-performance training and competition gear, including newly unveiled team uniforms, and football cleats. These innovations are designed to enhance athletic performance while delivering optimal protection and comfort.

Fashion brand Under Armour announced a long-term partnership with the Chinese Rugby Football Association (CRFA), making the global performance brand the official outfitter of the Chinese National Flag Football Team and the Chinese National Men's 7s Rugby Team. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Beyond innovative performance solutions, the partnership is set to dramatically expand grassroots participation and talent development. In collaboration with the CRFA, Under Armour plans to host flag football school tournaments at primary schools all the way up to universities. In the future, Under Armour will launch the UA Flag Series, a professional competition platform that will provide a global stage for rising stars in Chinese rugby and flag football.