Ireland Unveiling New Mascot at Aviva Stadium Tonight - Sport for ...

There will be one debut appearance for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium tonight against New Zealand but he will not be wearing a numbered shirt. In imaginative sponsorship activation, ALDI’s Kevin the Carrot has been unveiled as the Official Team Mascot of Irish Rugby.

As part of his new role, Kevin the Carrot will pardon the pun,  sprout up pitchside at Ireland’s home fixtures, engage with supporters, and, pardon again, root for his favourite players in green.

After tonight, he will be hyping up the crowd for subsequent games against Argentina, Fiji, and Australia.

We can only imagine the cutting room floor as the team behind the campaign wrote this press release…

“He was initially picked as part of the Irish squad to tour South Africa in July but got crunched in a chop tackle, ending his hopes of making the team. Since then, he has tried out several jobs to support the men’s and women’s teams, including Nutritionist, Pitchside Reporter, Anthem Singer, and Kit Manager.”

“His mentor and friend, former Ireland captain and current men’s team forwards coach, Paul O’Connell, has played a crucial role in Kevin’s development. He has also been aided by Aldi Play Rugby ambassadors and current international players Linda Djougang and James Ryan, along with other Irish Rugby icons, including former Ireland women’s team Grand Slam winning captain Fiona Coghlan, singing sensation and Late Late Toy Show star, Stevie Mulrooney, and the legendary former Ireland men’s team kit manager, Patrick ‘Rala’ O’Reilly.”

ALDI is the Official Fresh Food Partner of the IRFU until 2028 and helps deliver the ALDI Play Rugby Schools Programme, which provides a fun and safe way for primary school children around the country to be introduced to rugby.

To get a taste of Kevin’s epic journey to becoming Irish Rugby’s Official Team Mascot, they had cameras rolling throughout…

@aldi_ireland The countdown to the All Blacks game on Friday, 8th November is on and we have some exciting news for all of Kevin’s fans ???? It’s been a tough journey but we’re delighted to announce that Kevin The Carrot has been appointed as Official Mascot of @IrishRugby ???????????? Keep your eyes peeled for Ireland’s Freshest Fan at all home internationals ☘???? #RootingForIreland ♬ original sound – Aldi Ireland

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