April 10 (Reuters) - World Rugby have penned a 10-year deal with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd to spark playing numbers and bring major events to the world's most populous country.
The deal between the world governing body and Alisports will see Alibaba's new sports division broadcast exclusive rugby content, create online rugby stores and invest in World Rugby's grassroots programme.
No financial terms were revealed for the deal unveiled on Sunday at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament but was a further sign of the increased interest in the sport ahead of its return to the Olympics later this year in Rio de Janeiro.