Guinness pays tribute to New Zealand Rugby in newly launched campaign via Special Group
Guinness have given a nudge and a wink to the passionate sporting rivalry between Ireland and New Zealand in a new campaign launched today via Special Group.
With the upcoming St Patrick’s Weekend, and the possibility of the two nations facing off in November, the multi-channel campaign rallies fans to come together in the spirit of friendly (but robust) competition.
Just a day into the campaign, an outpouring of support from Irish and New Zealand fans are filling the comment sections of social media.
Per NZ Herald: “Guinness paid tribute to both [nations] with a stunning Irish-inspired silver fern on their latest billboard.”
“As a Kiwi with half Celtic heritage I love this fern!” one person said.
Another Kiwi with Irish ancestry said: “It’s such a respectful and beautiful way to represent both nations before they do battle on the sports field.”
Says Rory Gallery, head of strategy and Irishman at Special Group said with tongue in cheek: “I actually had nothing to do with this. From my perspective, facing New Zealand would be the toughest possible outcome, I am kind of hoping for an easier path. But I guess I wouldn’t complain if we meet in November.”
Client – Lion New Zealand
Category Marketing Director – Adrian Hirst
Senior Brand Manager – Simon Warren
Assistant Brand Manager – Sophie McLeay
Creative Agency – Special Group
Executive Creative Director – Tony Bradbourne
Head of Strategy – Rory Gallery
Digital Creative Director – Stu Mallarkey
Creative – Adam Neale, David Smith, Jack Gravatt, Till Dittmers
Group Business Director – Pip Shepherd
Account Manager – Jack Close
Media – Zenith Media & QMS
Group Business Director, Zenith – Andrea Long
2 Comments
An embarrassment to the proud history of Guinness advertising.
Make mine a Kilkenny.
Being a Kiwi with Irish ancestry and also being born on St Patricks Day (17th March) I think it’s awesome!! The two nations are similar in so many ways and to have their iconic plant symbols united like this is great. I am a collector of shamrock badges and lapel pins and if there was a badge or lapel pin like this I would buy one!!!