Advertisers scramble for final rugby slots

Advertisers have been clamouring to snap up the last commercial spots during Saturday’s IRB Rugby World Cup Final, according to ITV. Last weekend’s semi-final between England and France was the most watched sporting event of the year attracting 12.4 million viewers.

Cadbury’s is running a special version of its 90-second “Gorilla” ad with a message of support for the England team and Sony Bravia is running a 90-second version of its latest ad. Audi has also booked a spot to promote its new R8 model sports car.

Other advertisers taking spots during the game, which is being broadcast from the Stade de France in Paris from 7.30pm, are Guinness, Magners, Panasonic, Pioneer, Renault, Silverjet and BT.

Simon Lent, ITV’s trading director, says: “There has been a fantastic amount of interest in the tournament, demonstrating the attraction of prime event sports programming and the opportunity to tap into the nation’s emotion.”