Coca-Cola has been confirmed as the official soft drink of Rugby World Cup 2015, extending its sponsorship of the rugby event which began in 1995.

As part of the deal, the Coca-Cola Company will make its water (glacéau smartwater) and Powerade sports drink brand available to the competing 20 teams.

The brand will also have exclusive soft drink pourage rights at all Rugby World Cup 2015 venues and fan-zones.

The partnership was announced at an event in London as Coca-Cola unveiled former Ireland and British and Irish Lions star Brian O’Driscoll (pictured) as the brand’s ambassador for Rugby World Cup 2015.

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are delighted to be extending our long and successful partnership with Coca-Cola as official soft drink.”

“With rugby experiencing unprecedented growth around the world and Rugby World Cup playing a pivotal role in inspiring future fans and players we are delighted to be working with a brand that shares our passion for the sport and its character-building values.”