MASTERCARD, INC. Purchase, NY - Sept 29, 2014 - One of the largest international sporting events in the world became even more Priceless this past week as three new MasterCard ambassadors - Sebastien Chabal, Chris Robshaw and Martin Johnson - joined Rugby World Cup and All Black legend, Dan Carter, to deliver Priceless Surprises to fans from now through to Rugby World Cup 2015.
"In the build up to the must-see tournament, what better way to delight and excite fans than through unexpected experiences delivered by these Rugby superstars themselves," said Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing officer, MasterCard. "Priceless has always been about what matters most, and we can't think of a better way to get passionate Rugby fans closer to their sport."
France
In Paris, Sebastien Chabal, a French icon of the 2003 and 2007 RWC was announced to the French media following a photo shoot in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Chabal said: "I can't wait for Rugby World Cup 2015 to kick-off, and with the tournament being held just across the Channel, I know there will be lots of French fans heading to England to experience the magic of the competition. I'm excited to be working with MasterCard to surprise even more fans with priceless moments ahead of Rugby World Cup and to make the experience more special."
England
Over in England, MasterCard announced two English ambassadors, Chris Robshaw and Martin Johnson and kicked off the partnership by giving a school rugby team a Priceless Surprise on the London Eye.
The unsuspecting youngsters from St John's School, Leatherhead, were expecting a team building exercise on the London Eye, but awaiting them were Rugby World Cup 2003 wining captain, Martin Johnson and current skipper Chris Robshaw to deliver to them a priceless pep talk.
Watch the Priceless Surprise on YouTube:
The day was one of many Priceless Surprises MasterCard will be creating for cardholders and fans ahead of Rugby World Cup. Other Priceless Surprises include the opportunity to present the Man of the Match award. For more information search for #PricelessSurprises on Twitter or find us on Facebook.
Martin Johnson said: "It was great to be able to come to the London Eye and surprise St John's School with what I hope was a Priceless Pep Talk. The look on their faces was certainly priceless when we surprised them!" Chris Robshaw added "Surprising St John's School this morning was great fun but the ultimate priceless moment for me will be hopefully leading England out at Twickenham for Rugby World Cup 2015."
All the MasterCard ambassadors urged the public to register for tickets for Rugby World Cup 2015. Fans have just hours left to register for tickets at https://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/ to ensure they have a chance to be part of what is set to be a priceless experience.
MasterCard is the Preferred Card and Official Payment System of the world's third-largest sports event, which takes place in England and Wales between September 18 and October 31 2015. The announcement continues a highly successful partnership between MasterCard and Tournament Owners Rugby World Cup Limited, which began ahead of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand. As part of the Worldwide Partnership, MasterCard secures a comprehensive rights and benefits package that allows the company to deliver value to customer financial institutions, merchants and cardholders, including the ability to access 'Priceless' experiences linked to Rugby World Cup 2015.
For more information about MasterCard's sponsorship of Rugby World Cup, visit our digital press kit.
Notes to Editors:
About MasterCard:
MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Pioneers Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.
About Rugby World Cup:
Rugby World Cup is the financial engine behind unprecedented investment and growth in Rugby worldwide. The net Rugby World Cup surplus from the commercial success of France 2007 and New Zealand 2011 has enabled the International Rugby Board to invest more than £150 million in the Game between 2009 and 2012 and commit an anticipated injection of more than £180 million between 2013 and 2016 to underwrite a large range of major funding initiatives including annual national Union grants and strategic investments focusing on growing participation and increasing competition across all 119 national Member Unions affiliated to the IRB.
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