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Former all Blacks captain Tana Umaga has signed a million-dollar deal to promote the 2011 rugby World Cup.
Tourism New Zealand's virtual Front Row Rugby Club has contracted the former All Black captain to front an online campaign to boost tourist numbers for the cup, the Dominion Post reported today.
Chief executive George Hickton would not confirm how much Umaga, 34, is being paid but it is understood he will be paid $200,000 a year to appear on an internet and DVD marketing campaign until the 2011 championship.
Umaga has also signed a two-year deal to coach French second division team Toulon, and earned more than 300,000 euro (NZ$533,000) while playing seven games for Toulon last year.
Tourism NZ's online rugby club would enlist travelling New Zealanders as ambassadors, supplying anyone who signed up with a marketing pack and a DVD invitation personalised by Umaga.
Over the next four years Tourism New Zealand would spend up to $7.5 million a year on World Cup associated promotions, Hickton said.
- NZPA
