England’s biggest rugby club, Leicester Tigers, has unveiled a new online resource to introduce new fans to the sport.
Voiced by World Cup winner and former Tigers forward Ben Kay, RugbyExplained.com uses video, animation and infographics as well as a rugby A-Z which aims to enhance understanding of the game.
The website covers everything from player positions and the pitch, to the basic laws and values. There’s also an interactive quiz for users to test their knowledge.
Don’t know your blindside from your openside? Or how do you get a bonus point? Or what’s an up-and-under? There’s a glossary for fans, providing everything they need to know the game better.
RugbyExplained.com is the latest in a series of Tigers digital platforms following the launch of the club’s new website and official app in June 2017. Downloading the app is the best way to view RugbyExplained.com and you can watch the club’s chat with Ben Kay as part of the launch on the website.
Kay, a six-time Premiership title winner with Tigers and international with England and the British & Irish Lions, is now a rugby pundit and commentator for BT Sport. He said: “We wanted to help de-mystify some of the laws of rugby to new people because we understand some of these can be quite complex and can be a barrier.
“So for new people who have never had anything to do with rugby, it will enable them to come along and enjoy what is a magnificent game.
“The basics are important. It can be frustrating watching the game when you’re not 100% sure what is going on. RugbyExplained.com is easy to understand and it’s set out in a way that makes it easily digestible for fans from all walks of life.”
Tigers hope that RugbyExplained.com will become a dedicated resource for youngsters and fans looking to learn about the sport as well as schools, clubs and communities around the world.
Chris Rose, head of brand at Leicester Tigers, added: “We’re privileged to be able to support, develop and deliver incredible work across the Tigers Family community and RugbyExplained.com is another tool that we hope will grow and grow.
“Rugby is a fast-paced and technical game and keeping up with the game’s laws can prove daunting for some. Whether you’re involved on or off the pitch, it’s a fantastic sport to be a part of and we’re hopeful that RugbyExplained will not only widen the game’s popularity by introducing new fans to the sport, but also enhance existing fans’ knowledge.”
Tigers club mascot Welford will also be educating fans on matchdays, donning a referee’s jersey and demonstrating the match officials’ signals on the big screen at Welford Road throughout the season.
Visit www.rugbyexplained.com to find out more or download the Leicester Tigers app via the Apple Store or Google Play.