Rugby World Cup 2011 goes social
With less than two years to go until Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) kicks off in New Zealand there is already a buzz in the air about the Tournament and nowhere more so than online.
In addition to the official Tournament web site at rugbyworldcup.com, RWC 2011 is embracing the use of social media to build an online community of fans using a number of platforms including Facebook, YouTube and a Twitter page launched this week.
Unlike traditional media, social media allows fans to interact with a range of content and with other fans who have similar interests. Fans can add their own comments, participate in polls and discussions and add their own photos and videos.
"Social media provides the perfect platform for RWC 2011 to engage with the global Rugby family. Through the latest content, including video, news and discussion topics, fans will have a fully interactive involvement in the Tournament like never before," said Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
"Through the social networking platforms tied in to the official tournament web site, at rugbyworldcup.com, fans from all over the world can share in the excitement and anticipation of those in New Zealand as the buildup continues to Rugby World Cup 2011, " added Lapasset.
Said Shane Harmon, General Manager of Marketing and Communications at Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited: "Social media provides a great opportunity for fans to interact with the latest RWC 2011 content. Rugby fans are traditionally very engaged and seeing their active participation on the RWC social media sites is a great indication of the passion that fans have for the sport and the Tournament."
The official Rugby World Cup Facebook page recently reached 100,000 fans and is continuing to grow; securing its position as one of the largest New Zealand-based Facebook communities. The official YouTube channel offers fans a wide range of RWC 2011 videos including qualifying action, classic matches and interviews.
"The beauty of Facebook is that it lets us communicate directly with people who are interested in the Tournament but it also lets them talk back. While RWC 2011 is hosted in New Zealand, this is an international event and it is important to connect with fans all over the world. The dialogue and interaction that takes place online is enabling us to create an active international community of fans," added Harmon.
Said Harmon, "Through the use of these social media tools, more people than ever before have the opportunity to become involved with their favourite sport and this exciting event."
A range of new features will be introduced to the Rugby World Cup online community in the lead up to 2011.
You can join Rugby World Cup online at:
www.facebook.com/rugbyworldcup
www.youtube.com/rugbyworldcup
www.twitter.com/rugbyworldcup...and through the official Tournament web site at rugbyworldcup.com.
About Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd: Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited (RNZ 2011) was established in June 2006 and is the organisation responsible for the planning and delivery of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) in New Zealand on behalf of its shareholders, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and the New Zealand Government. RNZ 2011 Ltd is governed by a Board of Directors which is chaired by current NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs. The New Zealand Rugby Union was selected as the Host Union for RWC 2011 by the International Rugby Board Council in November 2005. For the latest on planning for RWC 2011 visit: rugbyworldcup.com/destinationnewzealand.
About IRB Rugby World Cup: The IRB Rugby World Cup is the third largest sports event in the world. The inaugural tournament took place in 1987 and it is held every four years. In 2007 the sixth tournament was held in France and enjoyed a cumulative worldwide broadcast audience of more than four billion. For the latest on RWC 2011 visit rugbyworldcup.com.
For further information please contact:
Clare Wolfensohn
Online Editor
Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited (RNZ 2011)
Email: clare.wolfensohn@rugbynz2011.com
Mobile: +64 (0) 21 412 221