World Cup TV advert launched

Rugby League World Cup 2013 has launched a new television advert promoting the Opening Ceremony and double header at the Millennium Stadium on October 26.

Fans at Saturday evening’s Super League Grand Final were given an exclusive first look at the video.

The release of the video coincides with the shift of focus for fans to RLWC2013. Following the culmination of the Super League and NRL seasons, attention now turns to the international game and the spectacle of the Opening Ceremony event and the rest of the tournament.

Called ‘Get Closer’, the advert provides an insight into the players’ physical preparations for the challenges ahead, and in particular England‘s huge clash with Australia under the closed roof in Cardiff in less than three weeks.

There are two versions of the advert. A 55-second video will be circulated online in the coming weeks, while a 30-second version will air to more than 15 million people during the football match between England and Poland, televised by ITV on October 15.

RLWC2013 Tournament Manager Sally Bolton said: “The development and broadcast of this advert represents the next step in our marketing of Rugby League World Cup 2013.

“With less than three weeks to go until the Opening Ceremony, the video will raise awareness even further following the comprehensive campaign mounted during the last two years.

“It will thrust Rugby League World Cup 2013 into the consciousness of the British public, be they sports fans or general event-goers. Our ticket sales data suggests that more new fans than ever before will attend matches, and the broadcast of this advert should help us appeal to an even wider audience.

Supporters are reminded to be in their seats for the Opening Ceremony by 1.30pm to ensure they don’t miss a second of the show.

The Ceremony is followed by the biggest game in international Rugby League as England take on Australia and co-hosts Wales face Italy.