In a world first, the 2003 England Rugby World Cup winning team has partnered with Fan Connect to release a limited-edition England Rugby shirt and commemorative hat featuring our cutting-edge NFC technology. 

Created by Castore, the RFU shirt and the hat produced by Big Bobble Hats both incorporate an NFC tag beneath the iconic rose badge. This enables fans to connect with their heroes and make them part of the campaign, with exclusive stories and footage of their historic World Cup win, and details of their new mission.

The squad have launched ‘Champions 2003’, a groundbreaking project aimed at supporting former professional rugby players facing physical and mental health challenges after leaving the game, providing them a network to progress into the next stage of their career.

 When they return to ‘Civvy Street’ many former professional sportspeople find the transition from glory of the stadium to finding new purpose, skills and emotional support, immensely difficult. A lifetime of pushing bodies to the limits often leaves them with complex physical conditions and limitations. 

The Fan Connect platform offers a range of interactive features, including campaign and team updates, player messages, competitions, as well as exclusive rewards,access and offers. By scanning the badge over their heart, fans can forge a deeper connection with their beloved team.

This project represents a collaborative effort between the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Castore, Big Bobble Hats, Avery Dennison, and Prove Anything, showcasing the power of innovation in sports and philanthropy.

Fans can purchase the limited-edition shirt or hat and support this worthy cause by visiting  https://champions2003.com/shirt