Polygon Marketing is no stranger to achieving impressive results for its prestigious global campaigns. Client commissions include world championship events in motorsport and powerboat racing among others. So when the organisers of the prestigious tournament Youth Rugby Festival Portugal, commissioned us to raise awareness and brand recognition of the tournament’s profile beyond Portugal, we leapt at the challenge to take this on as International Media Consultants.

As a formidable test ground for young male and female players, the students share the unique experience of being a part of an international competition and global rugby community. Over 100 teams, including 80+ from overseas, compete across a variety of age categories from under-13s to under-19s, with over 300 matches taking place over two days at the Estádio Universitario de Lisboa. England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, South Africa, USA and Australia are all represented. The tournament prides itself on providing outstanding facilities, organisation and competition at all age groups.

Polygon established a targeted database of key sports journalists, rugby journals and online portals to generate interest and engagement. Working closely with the organisers to ensure a slick coherent and coordinated approach linked directly to the tournament countdown.

Polygon also forged an exciting partnership between the Festival organisers and Gloucestershire University, resulting in the Refereeing Academy of the university providing two students to officiate throughout the tournament; an arrangement that has continued, spearheaded by Polygon Managing Director, Martin Allerton and internationally renowned former Rugby Union referee, Chris White.
Endorsed by England’s Premiership Rugby and the Portuguese Rugby Federation, Rugby Youth Festival Portugal 2019 achieved a record number of participants, sponsors and attendees. It received national recognition and a public appearance from the host nations Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, and added Rugby World TV to its list of international media alongside Rugby World, the world’s best-selling Rugby magazine. The tournament benefited from coaching sessions from representatives of England’s Premiership Rugby and secured the involvement of former England Rugby Union captain, Lewis Moody, as its ambassador. Several new high-profile sponsors were attracted including Dove.

Polygon MD, Martin Allerton added, “The tournament’s international profile has risen considerably since we became involved in 2018. We are proud that after 2 lost years due to the Covid pandemic, we are once again helping to build the momentum of a Festival that in 2019 welcomed a record number of young girls’ and boys’ teams to the Portuguese capital.”