Take-home director Neil Jardine said: “Fans of rugby tend to appreciate quality ale so the link between Greene King IPA and England rugby is perfect. We know that over 10 million ale drinkers watch rugby on TV, so this sponsorship gives us a powerful way to connect with our consumers in the off-trade. “

Diageo’s Guinness is also backing the contest, with rugby-branded packaging, a Guinness glassware send-away offer and point-of-sale material.

There will also be an on-pack promotion on all six-packs to win a 40″ high definition LCD TV, Sky HD box and a year’s subscription, and one of 2,500 pairs of tickets to the Guinness Premiership.