Opel, a proud sponsor of Irish Rugby and official car partner to the IRFU, is driving support for the Irish Rugby Women’s “Green Wave” movement through a 4-week Out-Of-Home and social media advertising campaign. With excitement building ahead of the team’s opening games this weekend, the Green Wave is a national movement initially conceived by the women’s players themselves, aimed at celebrating and growing women’s rugby. Unveiled last week, two major 96-sheet back-lit billboard placements on the N7, one northbound and one southbound, demonstrate the formidable line up of eight Opel brand ambassadors, all of whom have landed in the UK ahead of their first game against Japan on Sunday, 24 August.
The 8-strong line-up recently worked with Opel during a media day, attended by Dan Dunne of Red Media House and Fintan Clarke of Coalesce, to produce an outdoor and social media campaign, calling on the public to join the Green Wave. The creative incorporates Opel’s Irish Rugby sponsorship, the brand’s support of Irish Rugby women’s players, and the launch campaign of the new Opel Mokka in Ireland, entitled “Head Turner”.
Emma Toner, Marketing Director at Opel Ireland, said: “Our support for Irish women’s rugby since Opel became official car partner to the IRFU in 2021 is undeniable. In the true spirit of the Green Wave, we have worked relentlessly, alongside our Dealer Network to back players and clubs nationwide. Indeed, we have supported dozens of clubs throughout Ireland under the Opel Drive the Passion Balls for Clubs programme, donating hundreds of training balls to girls and women.”
She continued: “Today Opel and several of our Dealer partners are proud to be represented by a party of eight formidable women, who form a significant percentage of the Ireland line-up in the games ahead. We have delighted in seeing these players and their teammates grow into the international Irish Rugby stars they were destined to become. We wish every one of the team the best of everything for the big games ahead. What better way to show our support than making this loud, visible statement on giant billboards.”
Amee Leigh Costigan was the first Opel brand ambassador to be appointed and presented with an Opel Mokka, in the summer of 2021. She was joined by Stacey Flood in the summer of 2022. Today Stacey drives an Opel Astra Electric. Linda Djougang joined the line-up in 2023 and a Mokka is her vehicle of choice. Beibhinn Parsons was signed as Opel brand ambassador to Main Opel Dealer, Bill Sheehan & Sons Terenue in January 2024 and she drives a Mokka Electric. Aoife Dalton was signed to Main Opel Dealer, Tullamore Opel, just weeks later in March 2024 and she was presented with an Opel Corsa. Aoife Wafer is supported by Ferrybank Motors, Main Opel Dealer in Wexford and signed up as brand ambassador in late 2024, taking delivery of an Opel Mokka. Anna McGann currently drives an Opel Mokka in her role as ambassador to Opel Ireland. Sam Monaghan landed an ambassador role at Navan Opel, Main Opel Dealer for Meath in spring 2025 and currently enjoys an Opel Mokka. Sam has been named as co-Captain for the games ahead.
Following an initial 3-year partnership, Opel Ireland and the Irish Rugby Football Union announced a four-year sponsorship renewal in late 2024. The continued partnership will see Opel remain as a proud sponsor of Irish Rugby and the exclusive car partner to the IRFU until 2028. First signing with Irish Rugby in 2021, Opel provides an extensive fleet of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to IRFU personnel. With 8 women’s player ambassadors, Opel Ireland also enjoys a partnership with men’s players, Mack Hansen and Calvin Nash, both appointed Opel brand ambassadors in February 2025.
