Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) is delighted to announce that Shaun the Sheep, star of the global hit TV series, has joined the Rugby World Cup 2015 flock.
The exciting merchandising programme between multi-award-winning creators Aardman Animations and Rugby World Cup 2015 master licensee Elite Sports Properties (ESP) will feature Shaun the Sheep and friends tackling Rugby, bringing the sport to new young audiences around the world.
The merchandising and retail initiative will see Shaun proudly sporting his very own official Rugby World Cup 2015 kit as he scrums down with his friends. With the popular TV series broadcast to more than 170 territories worldwide, a first feature movie due for release in early 2015, and Shaun enjoying a global following of nearly three million Facebook fans, the partnership is a perfect match to tell the Rugby World Cup 2015 story to boys, girls and adults.
Sean Clarke, Head of Aardman Rights, said: “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.”
Bernard Lapasset, Chairman of Rugby World Cup Limited, said: “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 one of the world’s largest sporting 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.”
Aardman and ESP look forward to showcasing early concepts from the style guide to engage new and existing partners at Brand Licensing Europe in London next month. The core product categories that both parties are looking to explore further are: apparel, plush, stationery and giftware.
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