PICCADILLY Gardens got a burst of life on Tuesday 11 August when hundreds of England rugby fans descended, hoping to grab a free rugby shirt from a giant washing line.
The Rugby World Cup 2015 begins on the 18th September when England play Fiji at Twickenham
50,000 shirts have been distributed nationwide by O2 as part of Rugby World Cup 2015 promotion, with #WearTheRose spreading the message further online.
Hung tantalising high off the ground - 3m being the average height of a rugby lineout - the shirts could only be reached through teamwork. Or by bringing a kangaroo. Hundreds of hopefuls hopped onto their friends shoulders to claim their prize.
Emphasis on teamwork ties in closely with what England Head Coach, Stuart Lancaster, calls that extra 10% - the power of support. He stated: “The power of support can be the difference between victory and defeat. We thrive on support; it can provide that extra 10% which in a game of small margins can be so important.”
It is hoped that the shirt giveaway will encourage interest in this year’s competition which England is hosting. Manchester's Etihad Stadium will play host to the England team when they take on Uruguay on Saturday 10 October.
Anyone who missed the free shirt bonanza can still win a shirt in a prize draw, entering through O2’s Priority app.
The Rugby World Cup 2015 begins on the 18th September when England play Fiji at Twickenham.
Free England Shirts In Piccadilly Gardens
