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Thousands sign up to O2’s BeTheDifference campaign

25th February, 2009: This weekend, Ireland will face their biggest challenge of the 2009 RBS 6 Nations to date. It is not only the 22 strong Irish rugby squad that are preparing to go to battle this Saturday but also the 7015 men and women from across the country who pledged their support to the Irish rugby team through the O2 'Be the Difference' campaign.

As part of this campaign, thousands of lucky rugby supporters will line out with Ireland on February 28th by having their names printed into the numbers of the Irish squad jerseys. From a distance each number will appear like any other. However, careful inspection will reveal the names of hundreds of Irish supporters printed into every number.

Over seven thousand fans were chosen from the tens of thousands that pledged their support throughout the campaign by signing up at O2 stores nationwide and at www.bethedifference.ie. This week the lucky few will be notified by text to let them know which player they will 'run' onto the pitch with on Saturday.

The man charged with painstakingly printing these special edition jerseys is Andrew Ellis of Tee Shaker Company who has been printing the Irish jerseys for 9 years. "One of these unique jerseys will take approximately 24 hours to make as individual screens and set ups are required for each one. It's a difficult process but to see so many supporters take to the field against England, it makes it all worth it!"

Brian O'Driscoll, Irish rugby captain commented on the campaign by saying, "The influence the supporters have on a game can never be underestimated. Each player greatly appreciates the level of loyalty expressed by the fans that have signed up for the campaign. It is inspiring to have their support with us when we take to the field next Saturday".

The tens of thousands of supporters that pledged their loyalty to the Irish team will have their names included in a booklet that will be presented to the Irish team on the eve of the Ireland vs. England game. For more information, videos and blogs from Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell and for the lucky few to see their names up close on the Irish jersey, log on to www.bethedifference.ie.