Betfair to pay NZ farmers for painting England flag on sheep
Betfair is offering New Zealand farmers $1 for every sheep they paint with a St George's Cross during the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off there tomorrow.
England's 2003 World Cup winning centre Will Greenwood launched the initiative today by rounding up his own flock of English sheep. The 38-year-old appealed to New Zealand farmers to get involved.
Given that New Zealand boats a population of 47.2 million sheep (13 times the amount of people), Betfair claims the advertising stunt should provide Martin Johnson's England team with a much needed boost as they travel to matches around the host nation.
Greenwood said: "I'm sure even the All Blacks will be left feeling a little bit sheepish by this unusual approach."