Rugby dropkicks Fox's signs

By SIMON HENDERY

Former All Black Grant Fox has lost a contract for Super 12 and NPC rugby competition market signage.

Carnegie Sports International, run by Mr Fox, was pipped to the 10-year deal by international company Sportsworld Media Group.

Auckland-based Sportsworld director Philip Smith said the multi-million-dollar deal, with each of the five New Zealand Super 12 franchises, would involve the introduction of new scrolling signage and large-screen entertainment.

Mr Smith said the deal would allow spectators access to on-screen entertainment, information and statistics which had previously been the domain of the home viewer.

"We will be rewarding people for coming to the game.

"We believe this will be a key driver in increasing match attendances."

Mr Smith said Sportsworld would invest several million dollars in the new scrolling sign technology.

The company and the rugby franchises would sell advertising time on the signs and Sportsworld had appointed former All Black Alan Whetton as an account executive selling content to sponsors.

Sportsworld, one of the world's largest stadium advertising companies, has contracts with several Australian stadiums, including the MCG, SCG and Stadium Australia, and with Lord's, the Oval, Headingley, Old Trafford and Murrayfield in Britain.