Emirates brings fans closer to Rugby World Cup 2015   8 Oct 2015

Emirates brings fans closer to Rugby World Cup 2015

Worldwide Partner gives passionate fans once-in-a-lifetime rugby flag bearer experience

8 OCT, 2015: Emirates, Official Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015, has been bringing passionate fans closer to the game globally and in the host country, England.

Emirates kicked off its campaign by giving young fans the chance of a lifetime to be flag bearers who lead the teams onto the pitch before the match. One hundred flag bearers, aged 14-16 years, were recruited to be part of the games, including 14-year-old Kiwi Jannah Rowden from Ashurst near Palmerston North. After a nationwide search, Jannah was selected to be a flag bearer at New Zealand’s first pool match against Argentina at Wembley stadium on September 20.

The flag bearers came from the host country and other key rugby-playing nations that Emirates flies to including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy and Japan.

Busy globe trotters and travelling rugby fans need not miss the action from Rugby World Cup 2015 with matches screened on the live Tv channel, Sport 24, onboard Emirates flights. Over 70 planes in Emirates’ fleet have live Tv installed, with more constantly being equipped. Free Wi-Fi service is also available on more than 110 Emirates aircraft so passengers can log on and catch the latest updates and highlights of each match.

New Zealand travellers departing from Auckland will be able to catch the matches (delayed to account for the time difference) in the Emirates airport lounge. The games are being screened live in other lounges around the globe, including Dubai, London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham and delayed in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Johannesburg.

“The Emirates experience has always been about connecting fans to what they love,” said Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand. “Our Emirates Flag Bearer programme is giving the rugby stars of tomorrow an unforgettable experience and connection to the sport. Our various activations throughout the Tournament are aimed at encouraging passionate fans from around the world to come together in a global celebration of rugby.”

With the world now descending on the home of rugby for the tournament, fans in Twickenham will also have the chance to have their flag bearer moment by visiting the Emirates 360° Experience in the Richmond Fanzone. Innovative camera technology captures fans from every angle flying their nation’s flag. The GIF can instantly be shared on social media and fans who tag @Emirates and use #BringingRugbyHome could win a 5-star trip to Dubai.

Rugby fans travelling to, or watching from home, any Rugby World Cup 2015 match can also enter the #BringingRugbyHome competition by sharing their patriotic pictures on social media using the hashtag.

Emirates has a rich rugby heritage and an extensive portfolio of top-class rugby sponsorships. It first sponsored Rugby World Cup 2007 in France as a Tournament Sponsor, then became a Worldwide Partner for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand, and became the first Worldwide Partner to sign an agreement for both 2015 and 2019, when the tournament will be held in Japan.

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