With the Autumn rugby internationals due to kick off next weekend against the Springboks, Vodafone Ireland has launched the next phase of its sponsorship of Irish rugby with a new campaign called “Who We Are is How We Play.”
Created by Target McConnells, which developed the “Team Of Us” platform, the campaign gives viewers and fans a glimpse into the childhoods of Conor Murray, Rory Best, Tiernan O’Halloran and Tadhg Furlong and their journey to becoming Irish players.
The campaign launches with a short film on Vodafone Ireland’s social channels and a 60 second spot that will air on TV.
According to Vodafone Ireland Head of Brand and Communications, Anne Mulcahy: “Vodafone is all about connecting people and our ambition is to help Irish rugby fans get closer to the team and build the most interconnected fan base on the planet through the #TeamOfUs platform.
“The focus of the “Who We Are is How We Play” is the real, regular people behind the players’ on pitch personas. While they may be capable of extraordinary feats when they put on an Irish rugby jersey, they have had upbringings and experiences that every Irish person can relate to – whether it’s your mother telling you for the fifth time to come in for your tea or memories of going to your first match with your dad. It was important for us to share these moments with Irish rugby fans and connect them with the players on a more personal level, because ultimately you shout louder for someone you know”.
Commenting on the campaign, Target McConnells Joint Creative Director Karl Waters added: “Almost every scene you’ll see in this ad is based on an actual event in the players’ lives. The scene that shows Conor at one of his first rugby matches, came from an anecdote that Conor himself gave us. The same goes for Tadhg Furlong getting his first call up while helping in his dad on the family farm in Wexford. Tiernan O’Halloran playing Jonah Lomu Rugby with his sister and Rory Best playing for his local club, Banbridge RFC.
“All the scenarios are inspired by real stories that have shaped the players and even some of their family members have cameos with Tadhg Furlong’s dad James and Conor Murray’s dad Gerry both playing themselves”.
The through-the-line campaign, including TV, digital, OOH, retail and social media will run for four weeks.
WATCH SHORT FILM HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK5wPg6L_z8
Credits:
Client: Vodafone Ireland
Platform: #TeamOfUs
Agency: Target McConnells
Client – Vodafone:
Anne Mulcahy, Head of Brand and Communications
Paula Murphy, Brand Operations
Gerry Nixon, Senior Sponsorship and Engagement Manager
Paddy Carberry, Sponsorship Specialist
Agency Credits:
Joint Creative Director – Karl Waters
Senior Creative – Keith Lawler
Broadcast Director – Michael Cullen
Producer – Eric Brindley
Managing Director – Abi Moran
Group Business Director – Laura Kelly
Account Directors – David Curran and Conor Thompson
Account Manager – Lauren Murphy
Director – Hadi
Production Company – Butter
