Scotland launch ‘As One’ marketing campaign

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter was joined by two of his players in Glasgow today as they called on the nation to rally behind the team in a landmark season.A total of 12 international matches stand between the Scotland and the Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, from the Autumn Tests that kick off at BT Murrayfield against Argentina in November, the RBS 6 Nations, and the Summer Tests.It is in each of the clashes the players and supporters are brought together in a season-long marketing campaign ‘As One’, launched today, that showcases their contribution to the team’s performance.Speaking from the foot of Buchanan Street in Glasgow, Cotter stood in front of two giant mosaics of lock Jonny Gray and stand-off Finn Russell which now adorn the glass facade of the St. Enoch Centre; each carefully pieced together using images submitted by supporters, clubs, schools, sponsors and past players.He said:The success of the Scotland team is born out of the collective support the individuals receive from supporters, coaches, medics, administrators, marketing and much more, so it’s great to have them play such a prominent part in our collective image.- – Scotland head coach, Vern CotterThe whole campaign is really symbolic of that massive team effort.We have some really tough games ahead, starting with the Autumn Tests, which we’re all really excited about and looking forward to getting that great support again.”Dominic McKay, director of commercial operations, communications and public affairs, agreed: The Scottish Rugby As One campaign is designed to connect the fans, the teams and the sponsors behind one message.It’s about all working together for the national team, with supporters featuring throughout the season-long campaign in outdoor advertising, digital marketing and our entertainment on match-day.Scotland supporters were outstanding last year with almost 600,000 coming through the turnstiles and, with over 10,000 Scotland season passes already purchased, we’re looking forward to welcoming even more to BT Murrayfield in another very exciting season.”Standing in front of his 25-foot replica, Scotland and Glasgow Warriors stand-off, Finn Russell, said: Everything the team does on the field is influenced and supported by everyone involved in rugby in Scotland, from the Scotland head coach to our former school and club coaches, to the young boys and girls sitting in the stands shouting on the players.It’s everyone acting as one that helps produce those extra inches on the field; that extra drive and determination to get over the line.”Scotland supporter Liz Thorburn sent in photographs of her 13-year-old son, Lee, playing for the Millbrae club’s under-15 side.She said: I’m really proud of my son and his team for all their hard work and what they have achieved, so I sent in pictures of him playing, and pictures of us and his grandparents supporting from the sidelines.I sent them in because I wanted to show the future of the Scotland team coming through and the support they’re getting, as it’s just like the support the international players had when they were coming through and still are.He’s been to games at BT Murrayfield with his friends from the club supporting the team and he’ll be delighted to be involved.”As part of an innovative, season-long partnership with St. Enoch Centre, Scottish Rugby also announced the details of a kids’ ‘come and try’ session during the October school holidays (Monday 13 October). The free taster sessions will be carried out under the watchful eyes of qualified coaches, with no experience or registration required.More details on the event will be announced on scottishrugby.org, weekly supporter ezines, Twitter (@scotlandeam) and facebook.com/scottishrugby.