The software specialist will provide its products and market leading technology for the tournament, which will include the Microsoft Silverlight technology, a piece of unique online viewing software.

The announcement was made by Rugby World Cup Limited, whose chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted to announce that Microsoft New Zealand has joined the impressive list of sponsors for Rugby World Cup 2011.

"The appointment of a world leader in the software and technology field further underlines the enormous attraction and prestige of the tournament in the global sporting calendar.

"We look forward to working with Microsoft to further the promotion of the game as we count down to Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and what promises to be another memorable chapter in the Rugby World Cup success story."

Microsoft New Zealand's Managing Director Paul Muckleston added:"Rugby World Cup 2011 is set to be the biggest international sporting event in New Zealand's history, from both an economic and tourism point of view.

"Our Microsoft colleagues in Rugby playing nations around the world are buzzing about the sponsorship, and we look forward to providing a memorable and uniquely Kiwi experience to all those visiting New Zealand.

"The Tournament will have access to some of our latest technology, such as Silverlight, that will enable fans who are unable to travel to New Zealand to view matches and match highlights online."

Microsoft joins a list of distinguished international partners for the tournament which includes Heineken, Mastercard and Coca-Cola amongst others.

The 2011 tournament is estimated to attract 1.6 million spectators and to be watched by a TV audience in excess of four billion across 200 countries.

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