RWC merchandise will suit every budget

Dick Frizzell with a selection of his Rugby World Cup merchandise. Photo / Richard Robinson

From a $6000 selection of limited edition prints by Dick Frizzell to a $13 tiki bottle opener - Rugby World Cup merchandise is flooding into stores eight months before the first game kicks off at Eden Park.

More than 40 New Zealand and Australian companies have been given the go-ahead to produce a wide range of merchandise ranging from the customary range of rugby shirts, designed by Canterbury clothing, to the more unusual items such as Rugby World Cup dog accessories.

General manager for Velocity Brand Management Gillian Ardern, who organises merchandising on behalf of the Rugby World Cup, said merchandise had been selling quite well with Rugby World Cup themed stationary proving very popular.

However, Mrs Ardern expects tournament-specific merchandise, such as hand-held country flags and the All Black supporters' silver and black face paint, will sell only during the six-week period where 20 teams will play 48 matches.

"The majority of the merchandise is designed in New Zealand and we have most things you can think of," said Mrs Ardern.

Auckland-based company Canine-Spirit have designed a range of clothing, collars and accessories for rugby fanatic canines starting in price from $9.95 for a team-themed collar tag.

The merchandise, including a limited edition 100 per cent New Zealand merino dog coat, will be available from February 1.

If the $6000 limited edition Dick Frizzell prints are out of your price range, the artist has also designed a range of kiwiana themed T-shirts and hoodies priced from $72.

The under-2 market is also catered for with clothing, hats and gumboots emblazoned with slogans such as "Future Champ" or "My first rugby world cup" from $10 to $50.

Then there is the memorabilia such as the team pins, leather wallet, key-rings and even a $145 "limited edition" Webb Ellis Cup coin made from silver and 24-carat gold.

Mrs Ardern said most of the merchandising categories had already been catered for but companies were sill welcome to approach organisers if they have a unique idea for merchandising such as Hawkes Bay-based company IQ ideas who have produced the official board game of the Rugby World Cup, "Five Men Standing".

"Companies need to have proven viability in the market. We are not looking for anything that someone has made in the kitchen," she said.

Trade Me has a wide range of merchandise on offer such as a Rugby World Cup gift pack, including a beach towel and cap, described by the seller as an "unwanted Christmas present".

A limited edition Rugby World Cup double-door fridge, one of 30 produced by sponsor Heineken, worth $1999, was also available. Mrs Ardern said counterfeit goods were not a major problem yet and Rugby World Cup officials and New Zealand had been quick to shut down any business who tried to import illegal goods.

"All official merchandise has a 'DNA sticker', with its own number that can be seen under UV light, so it's easy to spot a fake."

Rugby World Cup officials and New Zealand customs worked together to investigate a company that had tried to import 1374 counterfeit T-shirts in December 2009.

The company and its owner were fined $40,000 in the Auckland District court last September.