We all know that rugby league players love a bit of ink, but this latest news takes the cake.
Below is an actual media release I received this week from tech company Huawei, official sponsor of the Canberra Raiders. None of the quotes are made up, although I suspect whoever wrote this release relished the opportunity for a bit of a pisstake.
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Canberra Raiders star adds Huawei logo to tattoo collection
in new sponsorship contract
Australia, 1 April 2013: Canberra Raiders star winger Sandor Earl has added to his impressive tattoo collection with a new Huawei logo inked on his thigh. As part of a new individual sponsorship contract with Huawei Australia, Earl marked the first anniversary of Huawei’s Raiders team sponsorship with the new full-colour tattoo – a world-first sponsorship agreement of its kind for Huawei.
“Huawei has shown its commitment to the Raiders, and now I’m showing my own personal commitment to Huawei,” said Earl. “I think the logo looks brilliant on the Raiders jersey and I think it looks even better on my leg. This kind of individual sponsorship is a great way for players to add value to team sponsorships like Huawei has with the Raiders.”
Earl agreed to the logo tattoo as part of a new individual sponsorship agreement which was signed for an undisclosed sum. The Huawei logo complements his noteworthy array of tattoos, which include “yolo” (for ‘You Only Live Once’) on his left shoulder, a girl wearing sunglasses and the words “So Fly” on his left upper arm, a line of stars on his thigh, a skull and crossbones with eagle’s wings spread across his chest, sleeves of designs covering both forearms, and many more.
Raiders fans will be able to match Sandor’s new look this season, with free temporary tattoo giveaways at the new Raiders ‘Fan Zone’ at Canberra Stadium. The Fan Zone features a giant blow-up Viking Ship, visits from Raiders players, and freebies for fans including temporary tattoos and Huawei ‘fan speakers’ to help the crowd cheer on the Raiders at maximum volume. Huawei will also be giving away a range of prize-packs at home games throughout the season – including Huawei’s latest smartphones for lucky winners.
Huawei Corporate Affairs Director Jeremy Mitchell said he was considering getting his own Raiders tattoo to match Earl’s, replicating his support for Huawei. “Huawei’s sponsorship of the Raiders has been a roaring success for the company, and we’re all big fans of Sandor’s Huawei tatt,” Mr Mitchell said. “I think the Huawei logo would look perfect next to a 2013 Premiership tattoo – if the Raiders win the trophy this year I’ll match Sandor’s Huawei logo with a Raiders tattoo of my own!”