Ex-British & Irish Lion and Former Welsh captain Martyn Williams faces ex-Wallaby captain Michael Lynagh in a showdown to prove which side has the best fans
London – 27 June 2013 – Microsoft is bringing rugby fans closer to The British & Irish Lions Tour by creating a unique, interactive portal connecting fans in the UK and Australia from 27-29 June. Built by Microsoft to celebrate The British & Irish Lions Tour, the Hole in the World allows British and Irish fans to see, speak and interact with Australian fans on the other side of the world in real-time.
The UK Hole in the World (HITW) surfaces in Cardiff, a city renowned for its love of the game, where fans will be able to peer over a virtual hole in the ground and shout a message down to the Aussies below, while Aussie fans will be able to retort from Federation Square in Melbourne, home of the second Test.
The Hole in the World will also act as a stage to stoke up one of the greatest sporting rivalries with the help of ex-Lion and Former Welsh captain Martyn Williams and ex-Aussie captain Michael Lynagh, who will be leading a series of three challenges that test the support and devotion of fans from either side.
On 27 June at 09:00 BST the rugby legends will kick off the competition by greeting fans at the HITW sites and hosting an alternative take on motivational team support by leading a troupe of break-dancers who will perform an inspirational rugby themed dance-off. Videos of the performances will appear on www.holeintheworld.co.uk and www.holeintheworld.com.au where people can show their support by voting for the best performance.
On 28 June, day two commences from 07:00 BST and sees the opportunity for fans to participate in a rugby themed Twitter quiz where their rugby knowledge will be put to the test, before the final day, 29 June which starts at 08:45 BST and calls for a sing off between the Fanatics, Aussie rugby fans and hoards of passionate fans from local Cardiff rugby clubs with the loudest group claiming the final test.
The results will be revealed on the 29 June and the losing captain will be faced with the humiliating forfeit of donning the opposing team’s jersey while posing for photographers.
Ex-Lion Martyn Williams said: “Even though the matches take place on the other side of the world, The Lions Tour in Australia always brings out the passion of fans and this year people will be able to get closer to the action by participating in the challenges on behalf of their team and connecting with other fans through Microsoft’s Hole in the World.”
Paul Davies head of marketing at Microsoft said: “As Official Technology Provider for The British & Irish Lions we wanted to do something special that takes advantage of our connected services like Skype and MSN to bring the games a bit closer to home and support The Lions on their quest.
“People can head to Queen Street in Cardiff to get involved with the action, peer down the Hole in the World and chat to fans in Melbourne. Fans from across Great Britain and Ireland will also be able to participate by heading to www.holeintheworld.co.uk here they can vote for the best challenge on day one and two, win Lions prizes and get the latest reports on the action from Wales and Melbourne.”
The Hole in the World will be live in Queen Street, Cardiff and Federation Square in Melbourne from 27-29 June. To learn more or participate in the competitions head to www.holeintheworld.co.uk
