The winning 2012 Dove Men Series ‘Our Land, Our Way’ campaign used leading players Dan Lydiate, George North, Rhys Priestland and Leigh Halfpenny to capture the spirit of Wales and Welsh Rugby.
The multi-media programme inspired a nation to get behind the team and significantly maximised ticket sales for games at the Millennium Stadium.
The Awards are among the highlights of this year’s Rugby Expo which has become established as a must-attend event for key figures in professional and grassroots rugby.
Craig Maxwell, Head of WRU Group Sales and Marketing, said: “We are delighted to have won the category with our campaign. The honour is testament to all of the hard work and dedication put in by all of our staff. ”
Wales head coach Warren Gatland also recieved a special award for making an ‘outstanding contribution’ to rugby.
As well as Gatland and the Autumn Internationals getting the top prize, WRU’s Community Partner SWALEC was declared ‘highly commended’ in the Sponsor of the Year category for their excellent work within Welsh rugby communities.
Also shortlisted in the Sponsors category was national jersey partner, Admiral. Elsewhere the Millennium Stadium’s 2013 RBS 6 Nations Wales versus England event was runner up to the Aviva Premiership Final for Event of the Year.
This year’s awards were presented at Twickenham by some of the high profile rugby players, administrators and media specialists who had taken part in an exhaustive judging process.
John Hockey, chairman of Rugby Ventures, organisers of Rugby Expo said: “In a relatively short time the Rugby Expo Awards have become a valued badge of recognition and appreciation of creativity, innovation and best practice in the world of rugby.
“As the game continues to grow in and beyond its traditional markets our aim is to celebrate the achievements of those who do so much for rugby away from the field of play and encourage others to emulate and surpass their achievements.
“Our congratulations go not only to the winners but to all those who were short-listed in their categories.”
