London Irish played the first overseas game in the Aviva Premiership over the weekend attracting a near 15,000 crowd to the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey and indications are that this was the start of an annual foray to the US for the league.
That may give pause for thought for the Guinness Pro12 who could perhaps call on a larger local audience for games in future years.
London Irish also announced a new commercial partnership ahead of travelling stateside as well with Paddy Power coming on board as the club’s official betting partner.
Online betting remains largely illegal in the US so the timing of the move was perhaps aimed more at a home audience on an RBS 6 Nations weekend and going into the week of the Cheltenham Festival but Paddy Power being the brand it is could not resist a little localisation in this video kicking off the partnership…
“We are looking forward to working with Paddy Power and sharing ‘the Craic’ with our supporter base as well as introducing rugby to their gaming audience in new and innovative ways,” said Darren Henry, Head of Commercial at London Irish.
“They are a respected leader within the betting industry and are renowned for their mischievous marketing campaigns.”
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to share this exciting period of the Club’s history with them.
In a typically Paddy Power manner, the partnership is kicked off with a film that sees the bookie and 15 members of the London Irish squad wade into the Presidential election with a game of British Bulldog to help decide, once and for all, who will be the candidates facing off for the White House.
The film will help drive awareness of the first Aviva Premiership match to be played in the USA as well as the Club’s St Patrick’s Day Game to be played against Gloucester at Madejski Stadium on Sunday 20th March.
“Trump for President – now that’s a scary prospect'” added Paddy Power spokesperson, Simon Charlesworth.
“Perhaps stick to playing rugby next time lads? We’re delighted to be jumping into bed with London Irish and very much look forward to all the mischief and thrills and spills that lie ahead.”
One can only imagine…
