Three long-standing Worcester Warriors fans are to be in the spotlight this season after winning a starring role in a new series of rugby TV adverts.
Husband and wife Jenny and David Cormack and Chris Ritson wowed producers at Premiership Rugby sponsors Aviva with their passion for the club after being pulled out of the crowd during the 21-6 defeat to Bath Rugby on November 1.
Aviva have been scouring the country looking for each Premiership Rugby club's biggest fans for a series of adverts to wrap around their ITV highlights show.
After a filming session at Sixways last month, where the trio were interviewed by ITV Aviva Premiership Rugby presenter Jill Douglas, they made their first, much-anticipated appearance on TV on December 22 – although they still can't believe they were selected to represent the Warriors.
Originally from Scotland, Jenny and David relocated to Worcester 25 years ago and became firm friends with Chris after finding a new home in the East Stand at Sixways.
Often to be found with children and grandchildren in tow, the group always bring soup, tea and sausage rolls to share at half-time – as well as garden gnome Cecil, named after Worcester Chairman Cecil Duckworth, and the group's lucky charm.
“Rugby is a very important part of our lives. It's a bit of a family event with our son and granddaughter and that completes it, the rugby is always on the agenda and we enjoy it but it's the overall day that we like,” said local magistrate David, 64.
“Our lucky charm is Cecil who is usually in our garden or on the kitchen window but for the big games when we need a bit of luck we take him along and he sits beside us and he really enjoys the game.”
Jenny classed herself as a 'rugby widow' until two years ago when David bought her a Worcester season ticket and she's been hooked ever since.
However, she admits she's not sure how she will react when she sees herself on TV for the first time.
“It's been good fun but I think I'm going to be totally embarrassed when it all goes on the TV but there you go you're only young once,” said Jenny, a former teacher at the Alice Ottley School in Worcester, which is now Worcester RGS.
“We've been on the TV before in shots just because of the position we sit in so we didn't really realise this was going to materialise into what it has but in for a penny, in for a pound.”
“What we're trying to do is really get to the heart of what matters to rugby fans from the 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs,” said Louisa Cheetham, Senior Sponsorship Manager at Aviva.
“I think what's been absolutely fantastic is we've seen the passion of all the fans, from an 82-year-old Leicester Tigers supporter to a pair of eight-year-olds who love Exeter Chiefs.
“And I think it's absolutely testament to how wonderfully supportive the fans are. They are ultimately at the heart of everything we're doing with rugby and make it the great game that it is.”
Aviva are proud sponsors of Premiership Rugby. For more information on Aviva's home insurance deals, go to aviva.co.uk/insurance.