Guess who the bear is and win tickets to Russia v Ireland RWC 2011 match

Rotorua locals have the chance to win tickets to the Russia v Ireland Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) clash by guessing who is wearing the Russian bear costume at tomorrow's visiting RWC 2011 Roadshow.

The roadshow will take place in front of Rotorua Museum on Thursday [21 July] from 6.30am to 9.30am. The theme for the event is ‘Russia’ with plenty of prizes up for grabs, including RWC 2011 tickets for the two best dressed Russian fans. Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) will have further tickets to local matches to give away to fans supporting any of the 19 visiting teams on the day.

Rotorua District Council’s Rugby World Cup coordinator Renee Nathan says the Russian Bear is a national symbol for Russia, and local organisers are keen to use it as a fun element at Thursday’s Roadshow.

“A local personality will be wearing the costume and one lucky punter who guesses who this person is, from a series of clues that will be given out at the event, will win tickets to the Russia v Irish match.”

The Russia v Ireland match is taking place on 25 September at Rotorua International Stadium.

The RWC 2011 Roadshow kicked off on 4 July in Bluff, and is touring the country in a custom-designed truck, housing the Webb Ellis Cup and interactive displays. The Roadshow vehicle opens out into a 72 square metre ‘events centre,’ jam-packed with displays and videos on Rugby World Cup history and legends.

TV One’s Breakfast show with popular local weather presenter Tamati Coffey, will be broadcasting from the roadshow from 6.30am. Rugby New Zealand 2011 CEO Martin Snedden and International Rugby Board secretary-general Mike Miller will also be attending.