Shaun The Sheep Joins Rugby World Cup Flock
Rugby World Cup Limited has announced a new merchandising programme involving Aardman Animations’ Shaun the Sheep, star of the global TV series by the same name.
The merchandising programme will see Elite Sports Properties (ESP), the company that manages RWC 2015 licensing arrangements, use the animated TV character to market rugby to younger audiences around the world.
Shaun the Sheep will sport an official RWC 2015 kit in a merchandising and retail campaign that will encompass product categories including: apparel, plush, stationery and giftware.
The TV series is broadcast to more than 170 territories worldwide, and a first feature movie is due for release in early 2015. Shaun also has a global following of nearly 3 million Facebook fans.
Sean Clarke, head of Aardman rights, said in a statement: ‘Shaun the Sheep is a family favourite and is enjoyed the world over. With the flock working together as a team at the heart of every story, it was a natural fit to work with Rugby World Cup 2015. The joint licensing programme will encourage not only sports fans but all aspiring young children and their families around the world to join in and get behind rugby and the tournament.’
‘We are delighted to be welcoming Shaun the Sheep to the Rugby World Cup 2015 flock. With rugby reaching out and engaging the world’s youth, the relationship between the world’s third largest event and the globally loved Shaun, will be a match that will inspire more boys and girls to get involved with a character-building sport,’ added Rugby World Cup Limited chairman Bernard Lapasset.’
