Rugby fans are being warned to check the quality of Rugby World Cup 2011 merchandise after customs seized a large consignment of counterfeit t-shirts last month.
Customs officials intercepted around 1,000 counterfeit t-shirts on arrival in New Zealand in December. Spokesman Bill Perry said counterfeit clothing is being sold to unsuspecting buyers through shops, fleamarkets and on the internet.
"They are purchasing what they believe is the real thing when in fact they are buying an inferior product," he said.
RWC 2011 general manager Ross Young said the efforts of counterfeiters threaten the global development of rugby. "The sport relies on the revenue stream generated by the sale of official merchandise and the greed of these counterfeiters significantly undermines this."
Mr Young said RWC 2011 has a comprehensive rights protection programme and that Customs represents a significant partner.
"It is good to see it working effectively with the discovery and detention of these goods," he said.
- NZ HERALD ONLINE
Fake merchandise 'undermines' rugby
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