Now only weeks away, excitement is building for the Women's Rugby World Cup and while every fan shares the same passion, not everyone has the opportunity to experience the game-day magic.
So ASB is stepping up to ensure the World Cup excitement is accessible to as many fans as possible by giving away thousands of All Access Passes to games across Auckland and Northland to kids and their families.
"Our sponsorship of Rugby World Cup is about more than just backing rugby on the field, it also gives us an opportunity to share the love and the excitement with the local communities where the matches will be played," says ASB Spokesperson Jonathan Rea.
As any fan knows, ticket price isn't your only expense; between transport, hot food and those cold drinks you often spill when jumping to your feet to cheer, the costs of attending a live game start to stack up. That's why All Access passes not only include tickets but do much more than get you through the gates.
"The ASB All Access Pass is all about breaking down the barriers to enable all to have the ability to access the Rugby World Cup and include transport, food, drink and some special match day surprises.
"We know sporting events have an economic benefit, but they also have an important role in connecting and motivating local communities. We're seeing that now when we talk to the communities up in Northland and around Auckland who are all getting so excited about the Rugby World Cup and their ability to be able to attend and be entertained."
As for those lucky enough to get their hands on an All Access Pass, over and above providing everything you need for a great day at the game, there's even some extra perks to make your day not just memorable but unforgettable.
"There will be other surprises that will be revealed on Match Day but that will include potential player visits and signings and photos and some special magic moments to make it more than just the day watching the rugby."
Tamariki at Henderson Intermediate were the first to get their hands on All Access passes, with the Black Ferns teaming up with ASB to surprise students with not only a visit from star players but passes for them and their whanau. As for who will claim the rest of the giveaway, ASB is working with multiple partners to ensure the tickets go where they can have the greatest impact.
"We've partnered with a range of community organisations, including iwi, rugby groups, rugby unions and school groups,'' says Jonathan.
"We want to ensure that we're hitting a broad spread of people across the region. Not just traditional rugby fans, but broadening it out so others can experience an event that they wouldn't perhaps normally think about attending."
While the All Access passes will reach a broad range of Kiwis, Jonathan points to rangatahi as a particular focus for the giveaway.
"We hear from a lot that if you can't see it, you can't be it. So for us to be able to give rangatahi that opportunity to attend the World Cup and be inspired by these wahine, both on the field and off the field is amazing."
But ASB's support for women's rugby doesn't stop when (fingers crossed) the Black Ferns lift the trophy this year, as the bank has a goal of 'supercharging' the sport in Aotearoa.
"We know the power that rugby has to inspire change, not just in rugby, but create change through rugby," says Jonathan.
"We're looking forward to really building on the momentum that the Black Ferns have created thus far, the Rugby World Cup is going to continue to create and then Super Rugby Aupiki is set to continue into next year."
Kick off for the Women's Rugby World Cup is October 8 at Eden Park with South Africa versus France up first, followed by the Black Ferns facing their Australian rivals.
This article was created for ASB.
