This Rugby Ball Features Fingerprints from the 32 Counties of Ireland

Vodafone Ireland, the official sponsor of the Irish rugby team, has revealed 'Ireland’s Ball' ahead of the team’s departure to Japan. Ireland’s Ball is a unique concept created by JWT Folk.  As part of the Vodafone Team of Us campaign, a one of a kind rugby ball has been developed that celebrates the diverse fabric of modern Irish society. To celebrate the inclusive nature of rugby and it’s power to unite people in Ireland, Vodafone have taken what makes us all unique as individuals, and what unites us in sport and combined them. In partnership with Gilbert, they have created a world first ball grip that features the fingerprints of 32 people representing the 32 counties of Ireland. Ireland’s Ball will travel to Japan with the team as a symbol of the Team Of Us support for Irish rugby from fans all across Ireland.

The 32 people selected to contribute their fingerprint to Ireland’s Ball represent Irish rugby fans from every corner of the country. JWT Folk have created a number of assets to showcase the Ireland’s Ball concept including a content series, social and digital assets, along with a newly launched video.

Commenting on the Ireland’s Ball concept, Vodafone’s head of sponsorship and business Brand Gerry Nixon said: “In the world cup year we’ve explored the inclusive nature of rugby in Ireland and how our #TeamOfUs sponsorship can play a key role in this. We are conscious that most fans won’t be able to travel to Japan, even though support exists in every corner of Ireland. Ireland’s Ball will carry the identity of people from all 32 counties showing this support and it will go all the way to Japan, so even though lots of fans can’t be there, they can be represented in this way.”

Adding to this Karl Waters Creative Partner from JWT Folk said: "Through our latest strand of the Team of Us sponsorship we’ve explored how rugby can be inclusive and a unifier on the island of Ireland. Ireland’s Ball brings this to life in a really exciting way. We’ve created a symbol that represents people from the across the country, that can not only go to Japan but live in beyond there too."