The Wallabies’ major naming rights partner, Qantas, has today unveiled a new look Boeing 737-800 in support of the Wallabies upcoming campaign against the British & Irish Lions.
The B737 features a diving Joe Roff from the 2001 series, where the winger scored two crucial tries in the second Test in Melbourne to swing the momentum and help the Wallabies to a first ever series win against the Lions.
The image of Roff is taken from the most crucial of his two tries, which came off an intercept from a Jonny Wilkinson pass just minutes into the second half of the second Test.
The unveiling of the newly decorated Qantas jet also helped mark the 100 Day Countdown to the Tour that’s been 12 Years in the Making.
ARU CEO, Bill Pulver, thanked Qantas for their long-standing partnership with ARU and the Wallabies and said the plane was a great gesture of support in what would be a challenging series.
“Having a Qantas 737 flying around the country for the next 100 Days with the inspirational sight of Joe Roff diving for a try is a great show of support from our highly valued partner, Qantas,” Mr Pulver said.
“There is a phenomenal air of anticipation surrounding the Lions Tour and this plane builds on the increasing levels of excitement.
“The Lions Tour has been 12 years in the making and in June and July our Qantas Wallabies will face one of the most formidable teams in World Rugby.
“In 100 Days the Lions will kick-off the highly anticipated Tour, which is looming as the biggest in Australian Rugby history.
“In 2001 around 300,000 tickets sold for the Lion’s nine matches.
“In 2013 we are hopefully on track to reach close to overall attendance numbers of 400,000 for the same number of games.
“It certainly is an exciting prospect, so as the plane states, Bring It On.”
CEO of Qantas International, Simon Hickey, said Qantas was proud to show their support for the Wallabies in what was a huge year for Rugby.
“On behalf of everyone at Qantas I am very pleased to officially unveil our B737 in support of the Qantas Wallabies,” Mr Hickey said.
“Qantas has been a long-time supporter of the Wallabies and in 2013 we are right behind the team as they embark on one of the toughest series yet.
“We’ll be bringing thousands of Lions fans to Australia in June and our B737, with its new livery, will serve to remind Australians to get behind the Qantas Wallabies,” added Mr Hickey.
