Rocky Elsom becomes Volvo Ambassador

SYDNEY – Apr 18, 2012: To further cement the already strong partnership Volvo Car Australia has with the Waratahs, we are pleased to announce Rocky Elsom as an ambassador for the brand.

Elsom returned to NSW in 2012 after spending the past three seasons with Leinster, winning European Player of the Year in 2009 and helping the team to European Cup victory, and the Brumbies.

One of the world’s premier backrow players, he left the Waratahs at the end of the 2008 Super Rugby season having played in the 2005 Super 12 and 2008 Super 14 Finals.

A former Wallaby captain, he will lead the Waratahs this season when he returns to the pitch following hamstring surgery. That comeback could take place this Saturday against the Melbourne Rebels, with Elsom today confirming his return to full fitness and availability for selection.

"We've had a long relationship with Rocky over the years and we're pleased to extend it further," said Matt Braid, Volvo Car Australia Managing Director.

"A quick look at the history books shows just how influential Rocky has been – he's an intrinsic part of rugby in Australia. But his attributes off-field are equally important – he's a man of character and integrity, so we're delighted to have him onboard our ambassador programme."

Volvo Cars is a proud partner of the Waratahs and our core values of safety, innovation and sustainability are echoed by the Waratahs, who exemplify leadership, innovation, strength and performance.

Volvo Cars will be working with Rocky through an activation and leverage schedule around games and key Volvo Cars events and activities nationwide. As part of that programme, Rocky is driving a Volvo XC60 T6, complete with Polestar-optimised engine management software.

"I'm delighted to be back onboard with the boys at Volvo," said Rocky. "The vehicle I have is one of the more powerful vehicles on the road, and I'm enjoying driving it."

While Rocky's start to the season has been curtailed by injury, the big man is now ready to front up and is looking forward to leading the Waratahs as they continue their Super Rugby campaign, adding to the 66 NSW caps he has already amassed.

Another Volvo Cars ambassador, Matt Shirvington, already shares a relationship with the Waratahs. The former Olympic sprinter is in his second year as speed coach working to develop speed and agility across the squad.

Volvo Cars is already working with the Waratahs to celebrate Super Rugby through an active schedule of pre-game activity on the field at the start of each home match, precinct activity before each home match, and naming rights to every try scored at both the team’s home venues, the Sydney Football Stadium and ANZ Stadium.