Ex-Wallaby captain Michael Lynagh faces ex-British & Irish Lions and Former Welsh captain Martyn Williams in a showdown to prove which side has the best fans
Microsoft is bringing rugby fans closer to The British & Irish Lions Tour by creating a unique, interactive portal connecting fans in Australia with the UK from 27-29 June. Built by Microsoft to celebrate The British & Irish Lions Tour, the Hole in the World allows Australian fans to see, speak and interact with British and Irish fans on the other side of the world in real-time.
The Hole in the World (HITW) surfaces in Federation Square, Melbourne, home of the second test, where fans will be able to peer over a virtual hole in the ground and shout a message down to the Lions fans in Cardiff, Wales, a city renowned for its love of the game.
The Hole in the World will also act as a stage to stoke up one of the greatest sporting rivalries with the help of ex-Aussie captain Michael Lynagh and ex-Lions and Former Welsh captain Martyn Williams, who will be leading a series of three challenges that test the support and devotion of fans from both sides.
On 27 June at 17:00 AEST the rugby legends will kick off the competition by greeting fans at the HITW sites and hosting an alternative take on motivational team support by leading a troupe of break-dancers who will perform an inspirational rugby themed dance-off. Videos of the performances will appear on www.holeintheworld.com.au and www.holeintheworld.co.uk where fans can show their support by voting for the best performance.
On 28 June, day two commences from 16:00 AEST and sees the opportunity for fans to participate in a rugby themed Twitter quiz where their rugby knowledge will be put to the test. The final day, 29 June, will start at 16:45 AEST and calls for a sing off between Aussie rugby fans and hoards of passionate fans from local Cardiff rugby clubs with the loudest group claiming the final test.
The results will be revealed on the 29 June prior with the losing captain facing the humiliating forfeit of donning the opposing team’s jersey while posing for photographers.
Michael Lynagh, ex Wallaby captain said: “Experiencing the passion from these two nations as part of The Lions tour is an unforgettable experience. The series of challenges that are set to take place through Microsoft’s Hole in the World in Melbourne (and Cardiff) will display just how strong this passion is, from school children to the most die-hard rugby fans. I’m thrilled to be part of this project and connect with fans both in person and on the other side of the world.”
Paul Davies head of marketing at Microsoft said: “As Official Technology Provider for The British & Irish Lions we wanted to do something special that takes advantage of our connected services like Skype and MSN to bring the games a bit closer to home and support The Lions on their quest.
“People can head to Federation Square, Melbourne to get involved with the action, peer down the Hole in the World and chat to fans in Cardiff. Fans from across Australia will also be able to participate by heading to www.holeintheworld.com.au where they can vote for the best challenge on day one and two, win prizes and get the latest reports on the action from Wales and Melbourne.”
The Hole in the World will be live in Federation Square in Melbourne and Queen Street Cardiff from 27-29 June. To learn more or participate in the competitions head to www.holeintheworld.com.au
