NZR & EightyOneX ask Aotearoa to get behind the Black Ferns

AUCKLAND, Today NZ Rugby has launched a new Black Ferns brand-building campaign – via EightyOneX – to generate support for the wahine involved in our national game.

EightyOneX director Megan Compain said: “With Rugby World Cup 21 (finally) coming to our shores, 2022 is an unmissable opportunity to make women’s rugby unmissable.

“The momentum around women in sport is infectious, and awesome briefs like this one fuel the fire.”

“The Black Ferns’ unique mix of jaw-dropping skills and inspiring personalities mean they should all be household names, spoken of in the same breath as their All Black counterparts. 

“This campaign brings their infectious attitude to the fore, making people feel part of the team by showing what it means to train, play, kick, pass, tackle, dance, sing, support, dream, grow, live – like a Black Fern.

“The Ferns’ jaw-dropping skills and inspiring personalities mean they should all be household names, spoken of in the same breath as their All Black counterparts.”

NZR marketing manager Nick Rowland said: “Like a Black Fern is a celebration of all aspects of our women’s game.

“These incredible athletes have spades of talent on the field as well as huge personalities off it. It is important to use to show what it means to be a Black Fern while also inspiring the next generation in our sport. We couldn’t be happier with the result!”

EightyOne ECD Chris Bleackley said: “EightyOneX has a stated goal of raising the profile of women’s sport in Aotearoa. What better role models are there than the Black Ferns? Bringing to life their unique personality has been a privilege. Lessgo!”.

Like A Black Fern will amp up across the build-up to the Rugby World Cup, and is conceived as a platform to continue to support the team into the future.

CREDITS

NZR Marketing Manager: Nick Rowland
Commercial Partnerships Manager: Sarah Dewsbury

EightyOneX ECD: Chris Bleackley
Creative: Joe Stuart
Account Service: Jenna Chantelau
Strategy: Brendan Sturrock
Agency Producer: Paul Stent

Production Co: Fish&Clips
Director: Ian Sweeney
DOP: Julian Vares, Ro Tierney
Additional camera: Ollie Stent

Post Production: Arc Edit
Producer: Michaela Fenton
Editor: Phoebe Taylor

Sound: Liquid Studios
Producer: Tamara O’Neill
Sound Design: Craig Matuschka

Media: EightyOneM (Grant Maxwell)
Tilt Digital: John Schofield