Trade Me said there had been a 190 per cent increase in searches for 'Rugby World Cup' in the last month, and a 52 per cent increase in the last week alone. Photo / Dave Rogers / Getty Images
Trade Me said there had been a 190 per cent increase in searches for 'Rugby World Cup' in the last month, and a 52 per cent increase in the last week alone. Photo / Dave Rogers / Getty Images
Kiwis are reaching for their wallets as the Rugby World Cup draws near, with Trade Me searches for memorabilia and jerseys increasing dramatically in recent weeks.
The online auction site said there had been a 190 per cent increase in searches for 'Rugby World Cup' in the last month, anda 52 per cent increase in the last week alone.
Some of the most popular search terms were for Rugby World Cup replicas, Rugby World Cup trophies and Rugby World Cup jerseys.
Trade Me said 'All Blacks' searches were always popular, with thousands on the site every week.
Cup fever has predictably fuelled Kiwis' interest in their team, with a 45 per cent jump in All Blacks searches in the last two months, and a 150 per cent increase since June.
A Trade Me spokesman said the site reflected what Kiwis were talking about.
"Obviously everyone is talking about the cup and what the ABs are going to do. In fact we're all desperate for it to start!
"It looks like Kiwis are making sure they have their gear sorted to support the boys and maybe a few things to deck out the lounge or man cave with some replica stuff."
