With the 2015 Rugby World Cup less than a year away, the head of the IRB Brett Gosper, who is also the Rugby World Cup Limited managing director, emphasized that next year's event, "is building into a very memorable event, but not just memorable, it will be record-breaking right across the board". With a 30 per cent increase on the total ticket sales from those in New Zealand, and an expected 20,000 hours of action screened in more than 205 territories, the 2015 RWC is hoping to attract a new generation of young players. According to Brett Gosper, Not only will it be "the most connected and engaging Rugby World Cup", it will also "deliver record financial return for reinvestment into the game" and become "the very first World Cup to have a clear and dedicated legacy program". Established by the IRB in partnership with the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Europe, this legacy program, targeting the massive television audience, is working to attract and retain one million new players, coaches and referees across Europe.
This new mindset from the RWC and involved organizations is a step to increase publicity and viewership for the World Cup, but also to extend the passion for the game to the next generation. While general viewership is essential to financial success, it is important that the rugby community expands the number of active participants in the sport. Without a new generation of players, there will not be a Rugby World Cup in the future.
Do you think this legacy program is the correct move for the RWC, or is it an attempt to solely increase revenue? Does simply increasing broadcasting locations actually inspire a new generation of players, or must the RWC do more?
Sources
http://www.insidethegames.biz/sports/summer/rugby-sevens/1022614-irb-chief-confident-rugby-world-cup-2015-will-be-a-record-breaker
Michael Saulle
ReplyDeleteI think the legacy program is a good move for the RWC. I think rugby is a fun game to watch, and with new broadcast locations, people that have never watched rugby before will have access to it. Young people often flip through channels looking for something cool to watch, and when rugby pops on the screen I think a lot of people will watch it and enjoy it and may become fans of the sport.
I completely agree. The sport is very similar to football, so it is likely to draw interest in the United States. With more exposure, I believe Rugby can gain popularity in the United States, and other regions as well.
DeleteI think that increasing the number of places that rugby is broadcast is a good idea even if there is not a so-called "legacy program". Hopefully there is a new wave of rugby players inspired in the United States by this program.
ReplyDeleteI think along with expanding broadcast locations, the RWC should aim to support the development of youth leagues in the United States and other major markets. I feel like this would increase the number of loyal rugby fans, who have had the experience of playing the sport, and also make more people aware of the sport in general.
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