Jonny Wilkinson. Most had not heard of him before the last post about the "Buy Official" campaign. But Prince Harry, who hasn't heard of him? Both are pictured above but one has a bigger presence outside of Europe, specifically the United States.
In September 2014, marking the one year countdown to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Prince Harry was named the Honorary President of the England World Cup. Prince Harry is a well known figure all over the world, especially with women, which makes him the perfect Honorary President. Viewership for the 2011 Rugby World Cup was 45% women, up 20% from the 2007 World Cup. I believe that by appointing Prince Harry to this position the Rugby World Cup organizing committee is hoping to increase their viewership.
Another reason to bring Prince Harry into the Rugby World Cup is because he is so well known in other countries. He may increase overall viewership of the World Cup and bring more attention to the sport of rugby in countries where participation and spectators may be struggling with numbers.
Do you think it was a good idea for them to give Prince Harry this position? Does it decrease the Rugby World Cup's legitimacy? Who do you think would be better suited for a position like this/linked to the Rugby World Cup to increase viewership?
IRB Rugby World Cup 2015. "Record Broadcast Levels for RWC 2011." Official RWC 2015 Site. N.p., 27 Apr. 2012. Web. 13 Oct. 2014. <http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/home/news/newsid%3D2061899.html>.
"Prince Harry Is World Cup President." BBC Sport. BBC, 17 Sept. 2014. Web. 13 Oct. 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/29236922>.
I agree that Harry’s appointment will enable the rugby community to reach out to new fans and increase viewership, as he is well-known and well-liked global figure and also holds huge influence over children who he works with closely. However, will he turn away old existing fans? Will they look at his appointment as a distraction from the game itself? I know he has been a rugby fan and played rugby throughout his life, so would that make his appointment more appropriate? Would serious rugby fans maybe have appreciated a retired rugby legend to have been appointed?
ReplyDeleteI think you are right with that Harry might push existing fans away because he is not always taken seriously in Europe. I think that if he can use his past experiences with rugby with this position then appointing him will turn out to be beneficial as long as it is not too much and distracting to the games. I completely agree that a rugby legend would have been a better option because that would also excite existing fans.
DeleteThis is indeed a good move for the sport of rugby, however is the up tick in female viewing percentage really important to take note of? Does this increase in interest from women suggest that a women's rugby league could prove itself valuable and functional?
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