The organisers of the 2015 World Cup have revealed children's television star Shaun the Sheep will help promote the tournament to younger audiences.
The partnership between Shaun's creators Aardman Animations and the RWC will see the sheep feature in various promotional activities.
IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "We are delighted to be welcoming Shaun the Sheep to the Rugby World Cup 2015 flock. With Rugby reaching out and engaging the world's youth, the relationship between the world's third largest event and the globally loved Shaun will be a match that will inspire more boys and girls to get involved with a character-building sport."