From the Olympic Spirit to HEC Paris: Mixed Rugby Nations Cup Promotes Diversity and Team Spirit

From October 11 to 13, over 150 students from five leading schools and universities gathered at the HEC Paris campus to participate in the third edition of the HEC-Natixis Mixed Rugby Nations Cup. The tournament celebrated gender parity and team spirit—values that are central to both sport and business.

After the French rugby sevens team’s gold medal victory in the Paris 2024 Olympic tournament and the women’s team’s 5th place finish, rugby and the values it embodies were once again in the spotlight on a French pitch—this time on the HEC campus at the Natixis Rugby Stadium.

Male and female rugby players from Imperial College, University of Madrid, EPFL Lausanne, École Polytechnique, Centrale Supélec, and HEC were welcomed to the campus for a unique tournament, where the stakes went beyond sporting victory. The format, in which men’s and women’s teams compete together, continues to challenge traditional perceptions of rugby, highlighting how sports can be a powerful force for inclusion and innovation.

The event is part of a broader partnership between HEC Paris and Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking and Natixis Investment Managers, which has not only strengthened HEC’s sports infrastructure but also supported the growth of mixed rugby. Since its inception, this collaboration has gone beyond the playing field, reinforcing shared values of diversity and inclusion within the professional sphere.

Last year’s edition, held shortly after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, marked the tournament as a symbolic representation of HEC Paris and Natixis’s commitment to promoting gender equity. This year’s tournament continued that tradition, reflecting the growing shift toward inclusive practices in both business and sport.

Congratulations to all the teams for their outstanding performances and positive energy throughout the weekend.