Sevens Fantasy Platform To Include Women’s Game
Online Rugby7Stars fantasy game, developed for World Rugby to engage fans with the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, has been updated to include the addition of women’s rugby sevens.
According to Rugby7Stars, it is the first time a fantasy game has combined both the men’s and women’s players in one fantasy experience.
The game has been developed by digital fan interaction technology company, Monterosa, for World Rugby, with the goal of providing interaction with fans around the world via a dedicated website rugby7stars.com.
Rugby7Stars draws on card trading games and live fantasy in addition to telling the rugby sevens story to new fans. To reflect the interest in sevens the fantasy game will also now be available in Japanese, French and Spanish for the new season. Other updates made to the game play to enhance its appeal will include the addition of mini-leagues to enable fans to compete directly with friends and colleagues.
Rugby7Stars is based on a card gaming format and every player in the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series has a card that lists their attributes. Fans use the cards to play head-to-head games against one another and then win player cards to take into the live tournaments and play live fantasy Sevens. Fans will be able to live sub players during and between games to maximise their ability to score fantasy points.
World Rugby head of broadcast, commercial & marketing, Murray Barnett: “As a governing body we are very aware of the need to reach new fans and entertain existing ones. We are delighted to be pioneering this by working with Monterosa to engage with rugby sevens fans across the globe. Introducing the excitement of the women’s game to Rugby7Stars can only help the sport go from strength to strength.”
HSBC global head of sponsorship and events, Giles Morgan: “We have seen the impact of the Rio 2016 Games on the sport of sevens, and initiatives such as Rugby7Stars enable new fans who are just starting to get excited by the sport to learn more and continue their journey. The combining of the women’s series is a big step forward as we look to promote the game of sevens to all sexes, and generations.”
Monterosa director of sport, Ben Barker: “Rugby7Stars is a great game to play. We have created a fan interaction solution for World Rugby that we want to exceed fans’ expectations and provide a really enjoyable experience. Adding the women’s game along with new languages brings a totally fresh and contemporary feel and we are looking forward to seeing huge numbers playing.”
Monterosa has also created products for clients such as adidas and Carlsberg and broadcasters from BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, TV2 to Endemol and Shine.
