England ‘grand Slam’ Video Leaked
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is on damage limitation after a pre-recorded video celebrating England’s triumphant Grand Slam win was leaked – following the side’s crushing defeat to Ireland.
The video was filmed before the game that, if England won, would have crowned England Six Nations Grand Slam champions – however, the side were humbled in a 24-8 defeat by Ireland, which also saw the Irish side leapfrog England in the world rankings.
England sponsors Nike made the video, which included shots of several England players – ending with the triumphant words ‘Grand Slam Champions 2011’ appearing underneath the red rose emblem.
The shoot for the video reportedly took place halfway through England’s Six Nations campaign, when they looked on course for the country’s first Grand Slam since the World Cup winning year of 2003.
England opened the campaign with a win in Wales, a demolition of Italy and a strong performance against France.
However another defeat at the final hurdle, and the leaking of the video, has left the RFU embarrassed.
A statement from the RFU said: ‘It is disappointing that details of Nike’s internal planning has got into the public domain. In no way did the RFU or the England team underestimate the challenge that the Ireland team would pose’.
‘The RFU works with all its commercial partners on their sponsorship activation. Forward planning is a crucial part of all commercial partnerships and all contingencies, winning or losing, have to be considered’.
The leaked video can be seen here at Sport Industry TV.
