News

Australian Rugby Union urges fans to support their Rugby Championship team ‘because it’s closer’

The Australian Rugby Union is encouraging fans of the game to get off their sofas and into stadiums to support their local teams as it prepares for the second season of the National Rugby Championship.

A new TVC features up-and-coming stars of the games Jed Holloway (Greater Sydney Rams) and Andrew Kellaway (NSW Country Eagles) preparing for the tournament, with a voiceover telling fans to get out and support their teams “because it’s closer, easier and just around the corner”.

Last year the tournament, set up to be a stepping stone between club rugby and Super Rugby for Australian players, failed to pull big crowds, but the ARU is hoping to take advantage in a surge of interest with the World Cup running at the same time to draw more fans in.

The ad will run on the exclusive broadcaster of the competition Fox Sports during the 11-week run of the tournament, with the TVC created by Dakota Media.

The network will show the Thursday evening matches live, and stream the other three games each round on its Fox Sports Now app, and on Foxsports.com.au allowing fans to view it with a digital Fox Sports subscription.

Rob Clarke, General Manager – Professional Rugby at the Australian Rugby Union, said: “The NRC is a fantastic chance for Australian Rugby fans to watch both current superstars and future stars of the game on their own doorstep. The TVC reflects both the hard work these players put in off the pitch while also the fun that can had at an NRC game.

“We’re all excited at the prospect of the 2015 NRC being unleashed to a bigger audience than last year. Fans now have the opportunity to watch all 39 games through FOX SPORTS various platforms.”

Credits
PRODUCER – Celeste Marsden
DIRECTOR – Adam Marsden
DP – Mike Beresford Jones
LIGHTING – Daymaker lighting

See All Blacks marketing and commercial boss Todd Barberel interviewed live on stage about looking after one of New Zealand’s most cherished brands at the Sports Marketing Summit on September 9. Click the banner for more details.

Sports Marketing Summit

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.