Rugby World Cup goes interactive

Wednesday 2 December 2009
Published By: Ben Welch
Rugby World Cup > South Africa

The International Rugby Board (IRB) may be refusing to change any rules ahead of the 2011 World Cup, but at least it seems to be moving with the times.

In an effort to appeal to fans - many of whom are becoming increasingly frustrated with the sport - the governing body is tapping into the delights of social media.

There's no doubting the fact that the planet is obsessed with Twitter, Facebook and YouTube and the IRB is now using them to communicate with World Cup fans through videos, news and discussions.

Shane Harmon of Rugby New Zealand 2011 reckons the interactive aspect will allow more people to get involved with their sport, stating: "The beauty of Facebook is that it lets us communicate directly with people who are interested in the Tournament but it also lets them talk back."

Perhaps some of that talking will include a demand to wake up and realise it's time to change the breakdown laws.