With less than two years to go until Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off in New Zealand there is already a buzz in the air about the Tournament and nowhere more so than online.
In addition to the official Tournament website at www.rugbyworldcup.com, RWC 2011 is embracing the use of social media to build an online community of fans using a number of platforms including Facebook, YouTube and a Twitter page launched this week.
Unlike traditional media, social media allows fans to interact with a range of content and with other fans who have similar interests. Fans can add their own comments, participate in polls and discussions and add their own photos and videos.
"Social media provides the perfect platform for RWC 2011 to engage with the global Rugby family. Through the latest content, including video, news and discussion topics, fans will have a fully interactive involvement in the Tournament like never before," said Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
Shane Harmon, General Manager of Marketing and Communications at Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited, said: "Social media provides a great opportunity for fans to interact with the latest RWC 2011 content. Rugby fans are traditionally very engaged and seeing their active participation on the RWC social media sites is a great indication of the passion that fans have for the sport and the Tournament."
The official Rugby World Cup Facebook page recently reached 100,000 fans and is continuing to grow; securing its position as one of the largest New Zealand-based Facebook communities. The official YouTube channel offers fans a wide range of RWC 2011 videos including qualifying action, classic matches and interviews.
"The beauty of Facebook is that it lets us communicate directly with people who are interested in the Tournament but it also lets them talk back. While RWC 2011 is hosted in New Zealand, this is an international event and it is important to connect with fans all over the world. The dialogue and interaction that takes place online is enabling us to create an active international community of fans," added Harmon.
"Through the use of these social media tools, more people than ever before have the opportunity to become involved with their favourite sport and this exciting event."
A range of new features will be introduced to the Rugby World Cup online community in the lead up to 2011.
You can join Rugby World Cup online at:
www.facebook.com/rugbyworldcup
www.youtube.com/rugbyworldcup
www.twitter.com/rugbyworldcup
...and through the official Tournament web site at
www.rugbyworldcup.com.
