Greene King IPA - Sponsoring England and Harlequins RFU

Greene King IPA is pouring in its support as the Official Beer Sponsor both on and off the field

Over and above the availability of Greene King IPA throughout the magnificent Twickenham stadium the vast majority of our pubs across the nation, with perhaps the exception of those in Scotland and Wales will be supporting England and our sponsorship programme. There will be promotions running for drinkers to win tickets to see international matches at Twickenham, England Rugby merchandise, pints of Greene King IPA and even the chance to attend a training session with the England squad. As the official beer sponsor of the England rugby team, Greene King IPA will become a major fixture at the legendary Twickenham stadium, home of England Rugby. Fans will be able to buy their favourite beer throughout the stadium and from a dedicated Greene King IPA cask bar.

Here's what Paul Vaughan, the business operations director for the RFU had to say "We're excited to have Greene King IPA on board; it is a quality product and will be highly effective as a brand in the stadium. We're equally enthusiastic about the unique infrastructure Greene King brings with it to this sponsorship. The team at Greene King are experienced in deals of this kind, and with their pub estate they have a real point of difference as they can engage fully with rugby fans that aren't able to attend international games at Twickenham."

Waving the flag for England and Greene King IPA

The latest Greene King IPA adverts feature perhaps the most famous flag waver ever. You'll recognise him immediately, but you might not know his name. He is Mr Peter Cross of Dawlish in Devon, and is known affectionately as "Mr England" to thousands of rugby fans. His latest claim to fame is his starring role in an advertisement for Greene King IPA , the Nation's number one cask beer and the Official Beer of England Rugby.where he can be seen taking a drinks order from the entire England team on the pitch at Twickenham! Peter stands opposite the imposing sight of the England Rugby team wearing his customary St George's Cross top hat and coat. Instead of leading the players and the crowd in a deafening rendition of the national anthem though, the ad has Cross repeating a drinks order from the players. In his eleven years as the reigning world champions' number one supporter, he has never missed an England game at Twickenham, the Home of England Rugby. However, he has never appeared in an advert and his debut has gained approval from some senior figures within the England Rugby organisation.

Brian Ashton, England Head Coach, said: "I think it's great that one of our sponsors has recognised Peter's unique contribution to England Rugby over the past decade or so. He has played a big part in building a really terrific atmosphere for England games at Twickenham". And here is what the man himself had to say: "I've travelled the world to watch England play rugby and I've not missed a match at Twickenham for years but this is the first time I've ever appeared in an advert. Normally my duties on match day revolve around singing the national anthem or Swing Low Sweet Chariot but maybe in the future one or two of the players will expect me to buy them a drink after the game too!"

This advert is one of a series of ads appearing across the national media. For samples and downloads of all current Rugby advertising click here or the main advertising link in the navigation.

Brian Ashton is the man who is to set revive England's hopes of Six Nations and World Cup glory and Greene King IPA is the ale set to revive the thirst of all England supporters.