One lucky HSBC Waratahs fan will drive away from the HSBC Waratahs match against the Sharks next month in a brand new Volvo C70 Convertible valued at over $77,000.
The car is the latest Member Rewards program prize to be offered exclusively to members as part of the HSBC Waratahs drive to acknowledge and reward its most committed supporters.
Said Waratahs Rugby CEO Jason Allen, “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to celebrate our exciting new partnership with Volvo Cars by giving away a brand new car. Our members are the lifeblood of our football club and it’s great that we are able to demonstrate this by rewarding their loyalty in this way.”
The initiative is one of a number being undertaken by the NSW franchise as part of a focus on building stronger links with its rugby communities and stakeholders. Said Allen, “Waratahs Rugby pays over $1,000,000 annually in license fees to the NSW Rugby Union to support community rugby and an additional profit share arrangement is in place to further support the grass roots game in NSW, so all our stakeholders benefit from our success.”
With the FxPro Super Rugby season opener against the Reds at ANZ Stadium on February 25 only 18 days away, ticket sales for the match are ahead of sales for the opening encounter last year, which took place at the same venue and against the same opposition and attracted a crowd of 32,000.
“Our public ticket sales to date are more than double those from this point last year and our corporate inventory for the first match is completely sold out, we have asked for more, as is our Season Launch event. These are strong indicators for us,” said Allen.
“We learnt some lessons last year and are completely committed to strengthening our relationships with our members and our fans and other stakeholders.
“We listened to our members and they told us they wanted a simpler process, better communications and a more rewarding match day experience. We’ve now streamlined the entire system, introduced a number of exclusive events, regular quality communications and a Member Rewards program to further recognise our members’ support.
“Our members’ forum last November was well received, with members commending Michael Foley for an insightful presentation and for the sincere and open responses they received from the coaching team, which helped them feel closer to the team they support so passionately.”
Another key initiative is the club’s Community Connection program, which is already bringing players and supporters closer together through a host of school, charity and community events planned for NSW across the season. Since its launch in November, upwards of 10,000 fans from across the state have been able to attend up to 20 events each month, as the team prepares for the start of the FxPro Super Rugby season on February 25.
Backed by the entire squad, players and coaches have met fans out west from Campbelltown in the south to Armidale in the north, and having already been to Scone, the squad will add 17 events in the Tamworth area to their schedule in the next five days, as they prepare to take on Samoa there this Friday.
With the season fast approaching, there is also a strong focus on rediscovering and celebrating the rich history of the NSW Waratahs and this is reflected in the social media and match day plans.
“Off pitch, fans told us they wanted more excitement; they want to feel a part of something and to feel the stadium come alive.
“We have a huge amount to celebrate this season. As well the return to the great tradition of afternoon footy and the re-emergence of curtain raisers, we have a strong draw that will see us host many of the biggest names in Super Rugby,’ said Allen.
As well as the great draw, this season is an opportunity to celebrate two significant anniversaries. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the rugby rivalry between NSW and Queensland, this rivalry will be the theme for the opening round blockbuster clash with the Reds.
Secondly, the match against the Bulls on May 11 will see the team wear a specially designed limited edition heritage jersey to honour the 75th anniversary of “The Downing of the ‘Boks,” the most famous game in NSW Rugby history when the NSW Waratahs beat the all conquering Springboks in 1937 at the SCG.
“As well as the opportunity to honour great stories and great moments in Waratah history, our game day themes celebrate all the stakeholders in Rugby and New South Wales and invite everyone to be a part in what we hope will be exciting events that will add to the on field unique experience,” added Allen.
“We’ve been working with our partners, including HSBC who will be providing 10,000 Waratah blue flash flags to fans at home games to add colour and movement to the game day experience.”
On field, this Friday’s trial match against Samoa will be the first in charge for new Head Coach Michael Foley, who has at his disposal strength in depth throughout the squad, which has been buoyed by new arrivals including Rocky Elsom, Adam Ashley-Cooper and highly rated South African scrum half Sarel Pretorius.
An HSBC Waratahs membership is your ticket to a number of exciting benefits including free entry to our regional and local trial matches in February. Show your support and sign up now and you would win a Volvo C70 Convertible, valued at over $77,000.
All membership packages qualify and with an 8 Game package giving you 12 chances to win, the more games you buy, the better your chance of winning. Membership packages start from just $38 for a 2 Game Associate adult package.
As well as a Volvo C70 Convertible, you could also win a weekend away in a Volvo car with accommodation at a Medina hotel of your choice for the ultimate weekend trip, with all qualifying memberships also going into a bonus second draw.
To receive all the benefits of being an HSBC Waratahs member and the chance to win these fantastic prizes, sign up online by March 21, 2012 or call membership services on 1300 733 899.
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