Canon Oceania gets the ball rolling for Rugby World Cup 2019™

Wednesday 18 September – SYDNEY, Australia: With two days until Rugby World Cup 2019™ kicks off in Japan, as an official sponsor Canon is working behind the scenes to bring the event to life for fans, photographers, athletes and employees – whether on the ground in Japan or back home in Australia. Through a range of initiatives set to impact those on and off the field, the leading camera company is calling on all involved to “make the moment together”. 

Whether by supporting photographers on the ground to capture the perfect shot, providing medical imaging for athletes, or bringing the action closer to fans through printable mascots, rugby balls and cheer sticks, Australia’s most trusted camera brand1 is dedicated to making the global sporting event a success for all involved. 

“We are delighted to support Rugby World Cup 2019™, and not just because it’s in Japan – the birthplace of our brand. We know it takes thousands to make this event a worldwide moment, from the athletes themselves to the photographers who capture the thrills and fans who keep the sporting spirit alive. We’re really looking forward to sharing in this exciting event with our community, employees, customers and partners when the first match kicks-off next week,” says Akira ‘Dave’ Yoshida, Managing Director of Canon Oceania.

On the ground at the birthplace of Canon

The Canon Professional Services (CPS) team will be on site throughout Rugby World Cup 2019™, Japan, helping professional photographers covering the event get the perfect shot with their imaging expertise. Throughout the tournament, set to take place from 20 September to 2 November, a dedicated team of CPS technicians will provide accredited professional photographers with advice, essential maintenance services, equipment loans and minor repairs. 

Canon print and copying solutions will be used by the Tournament Organising Committee at each of the 12 match venues hosting 48 matches over six weeks, while top-class athletes competing at the pinnacle of their sport will have access to Canon’s first-class medical imaging services should injuries occur. Canon will also work in partnership with World Rugby™ to enhance fans’ experiences through imagery, during what promises to be the most socially-engaged rugby event ever.

Bringing the action to Australian homes 

Whether fans are at the stadium or in front of the TV, Canon’s Creative Park will amplify the excitement with a range of printable accessories. A free collection of downloadable banners, games, crafts and accessories have been created specifically for Rugby World Cup™, meaning that whether fans want an origami rugby ball, mascot figurines or cheer sticks, all they need is a printer and some paper to get into the spirit.

Giving fans a glimpse into the action-packed world of sports photography, Canon has also released a mini masterclass that pairs David Pocock, one of the game’s finest openside flankers who will run out for the Wallabies in Japan, with Canon sports photographer and World Press Photography winner, David Gray. The video titled Sideline showcases Pocock’s love of the game and how he applied this to his other passion, photography. In the video, Gray and Pocock explore the challenging and fast-paced nature of sports photography, focusing on capturing the best Rugby Union moments while giving viewers a view into what it takes to be a professional sports photographer.

Fever pitch for customers and employees

As an official sponsor, Canon will be taking some customers from across the Oceania region to join them in Japan to experience the tournament right from the sidelines. Customers will also be given the grand tour of Canon’s headquarters in Japan, experience a product showcase and learn more about the brand they know and love.  

The tournament is also coming to life in Canon Oceania’s offices, with employees encouraged to adopt a team and decorate their workspace with imagery, streamers and flags of the team that they’re supporting. Employees and customers alike will be immersed in the action thanks to rugby-themed activations, screens with fixtures, news and scores being placed throughout the offices bringing the game to life.

The fun kicked off last week as rugby star and Wallabies legend Tim Horan visited Canon Oceania offices and treated employees to a meet and greet in front of the media wall, a fan zone, hotdog BBQ, photos and autographs. Tim also presented to employees, discussing themes such as teamwork and leadership. 

For more details on the Rugby World Cup 2019™, including match fixtures, visit: www.rugbyworldcup.com