Australian Rugby Union launches new Rugby Rewards Qantas Wallabies Ultimate Fan comp and digital experience via Pixolüt and Ikon

The popular Rugby Rewards is set to return bigger and better than ever in 2013 with Australian Rugby launching the search for the Qantas Wallabies Ultimate Fan with a new digital fan engagement program via Pixolüt and Ikon.

The program, Rugby Rewards, recognises and rewards fans for their ongoing support for Australian Rugby and the Qantas Wallabies.

Fans can register for the program by logging into Facebook and clicking here.

This year the Facebook based Rewards program aims to encapsulate the atmosphere of the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour, providing a platform to observe and encourage interaction and activity amongst fans.

The Facebook application will allow users to earn points by supporting the Qantas Wallabies and engaging as a fan in multiple ways, including:

·         Following the Qantas Wallabies social media accounts;

·         Buying tickets to the Qantas Wallabies v Lions Test matches;

·         Purchasing Qantas Wallabies official merchandise;

·         Watching ARUTV video content; and

·         Playing Rugby-related social media games.

While there are a host of Rugby-related prizes up for grabs, including a spot on the Ultimate Team, Fans will have their eyes on the major prize – the chance to be crowned the Qantas Wallabies 2013 Ultimate Fan.

Fans are being encouraged to register now and begin earning points.

In 2013 Rugby Rewards will include a new feature, a map which tracks and displays fans’ social media updates, including tweets and check-ins, as they happen across Australia.

The map will highlight fans’ activities throughout this year’s British & Irish Lions Tour, demonstrating which Australian cities and supporters are the most vocal.

It will also show how many fans have checked into the stadiums for the Lions matches and pin point where the majority of Qantas Wallabies and Lions fans are experiencing the Tour.

Pixolut’s senior account manager Rob Grogan said he was proud to support ARU’s efforts to connect with their fans.

Says Grogan: “It’s a privilege to be able to create a digital experience that will inspire and unite Australian Rugby fans, especially for a Tour of the magnitude of the British & Irish Lions.”

Rugby Rewards was first launched in 2011 as an initiative to capture the support for the Qantas Wallabies during the last Rugby World Cup. Since then the program has taken off, with last year’s highest points earners winning the experience of a lifetime as the first XV on the Ultimate Team. The team were awarded with a variety of Qantas Wallabies partner offers, including Sportscraft clothing, a personalised Qantas Wallabies KooGa jersey and their own table at the 2012 John Eales Medal Awards night.

Victoria’s Allen Gray was crowned the Qantas Wallabies Ultimate Fan in 2012, collecting his uniquely struck Medal from Qantas Wallabies winger, Drew Mitchell, on stage in front of the who’s who of Rugby during last year’s prestigious John Eales Medal at Darling Harbour.

Gray said Rugby Rewards would help fans make the most of this year’s British & Irish Lions Tour.

Says Gray: “It is such an exciting thing to be  a part of. You just do what you’d normally do as a fan, but you earn points for it.

“Signing in regularly to see where you are on the points scoreboard and what other fans are up to makes the whole experience as a supporter even more enjoyable.

“Being named the Ultimate Fan and on the Ultimate Team was incredible. It was an opportunity of a lifetime and something I will never forget.

“I’d encourage every Wallabies’ fan to sign up.”

This year’s 15 Ultimate Team members and the 2013 Qantas Wallabies Ultimate Fan will be announced following The British & Irish Lions Tour.