Cazoo is hoping to score a marketing victory with exposure to 14 million UK sports fans after signing a ‘seven figure’ Rugby League World Cup 2021 sponsorship deal.

The online car retailer is already the kit sponsor of Premier League football clubs Everton FC and Aston Villa FC, but it has now unveiled plans to further its profile with rugby fans as a principle sponsor of the sport’s showcase tournament.

Cazoo founder and chief executive, Alex Chesterman, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Rugby League World Cup 2021, one of the biggest sporting events taking place in England next year.

“This partnership will continue to drive our brand awareness as we make Cazoo a household name.

“We’re excited to engage with the loyal Rugby League fan base and provide them with the UK’s best possible car buying experience.”

On Tuesday (November 17), Cazoo celebrated the sale of its 10,000th used car just a fortnight before completing its first year of online sales.

One of the UK’s best-funded start-ups ever – its backing reached £450m following input from new investors back in October – Cazoo said in a statement that revenues will exceed £150m in its first year of trading.

Marketing is clearly seen as a key investment for the business as it looks to grow its profile and revenues, with an advertising campaign also launched during September to expose the business to an audience across TV, radio and online channels.

Sponsorship of the Rugby League World Cup will align the brand with the pinnacle event in rugby league calendar.

Contested globally every four years, the 2021 event will be the first time that the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions will be staged together across 21 venues throughout England with all 61 matches being shown live on the BBC.

Cazoo said that its "seven figure" sponsorship deal would see it benefit from exposure to 14 million followers of Rugby League in the UK.

Jonathan Neill, RLWC2021 commercial director, said: “Rugby League World Cup 2021 is about being bold and brave and setting firsts for the tournament.

“This is the largest sponsorship deal in Rugby League World Cup history and we are grateful for the trust Cazoo have shown in the tournament.

“RLWC2021 and Cazoo share many of the same principles and values, both have a clear ethical purpose, and we will work together to continue to be trailblazing and positively disruptive over the next 12 months.”

RLWC2021 chief executive, Jon Dutton, added: “This is a very significant moment for the tournament and Cazoo’s sponsorship further supports our excitement and confidence in delivering the best Rugby League World Cup ever.

“It is an indication of the status we are building at RLWC2021, the biggest sporting event exclusively staged in England next year, that Cazoo have chosen us to continue to help them deliver against their brand and business objectives.”