Heineken signs brand ambassadors for RWC

Heineken UK has signed two top international rugby stars to be Heineken ambassadors as part of the company's media activities surrounding its official sponsorship of the Rugby World Cup 2007.

Top international rugby stars and World Cup winners, Michael Lynagh and Will Greenwood, are to be Heineken ambassadors in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup 2007.

Both ambassadors will take part in a campaign that highlights Heineken's position as the pre-eminent brand in rugby and its partnership to both the Rugby World Cup and fans of the sport.

Heineken is planning to use the ambassadors in a drive on strong media partnerships and innovative events.

Lynagh said: "I'm very pleased and privileged to be joining up with Heineken, a brand that has a long and distinguished tradition of being associated with rugby.

"The anticipation is starting to build towards the Rugby World Cup 2007, which promises to be an enormous event, and I'm hugely excited to be involved in the build-up and during the tournament; I'm looking forward to a wonderful association with Heineken".

Greenwood said: "I'm delighted to be acting as Heineken's ambassador - I'm first and foremost a fan of sport and I see the contribution it makes to sport in general across sponsorships including the Heineken Cup, UEFA Champions League and particularly the Rugby World Cup 2007.

"It is a tremendous honour to be associated with a brand that is at the top of its game in the lead-up and during a tournament that promises to be magnificent".

Jon Lane, Heineken UK's Sponsorship Manager, said: "We are very excited about the prospect of working with two former world cup winners in the build-up to and playing of the Rugby World Cup 2007; both Will and Michael are highly regarded as past players and current pundits of the game and appeal internationally to both fans and the rugby community".

Michael Lynagh was capped 72 times for Australia from 1984 to 1995, playing at both inside centre and fly half, and was captain from 1993 to 1995.

He was the world points scoring record holder when he retired and was vice captain of the world cup winning Australian team of 1991.

After retiring from a glittering 12-year international career, Lynagh joined Saracens Rugby Club and at the advent of professionalism in England, he blazed a trail for foreign players being successful in the Premiership.

Since the end of his playing days, Lynagh has forged a career as a respected TV analyst for Sky Sports.

Will Greenwood MBE is one of England's greatest ever rugby players as well as one of the sport's most engaging, intelligent and witty characters.

He made his international debut in 1997 and amassed 55 caps scoring 31 tries, the second highest in English history.

In the 2003 World Cup winning side, he was one of the most consistent performers and toured with the British and Irish Lions in 1997, 2001 and 2005.

With Will's post-playing career now in full swing, he has become an insightful columnist for the Daily Telegraph and pundit on Sky Sports.

Back to top