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Fuse SPORT persuades Tongan rugby star to change name to Paddy Power | Print |  Email to a friend
Wednesday, 05 September 2007
Fuse SPORT persuades Tongan rugby star to change name to Paddy Power
Marketing agency Fuse Sport has arranged for a change of name for Tonga’s controversial international rugby player Epeli Taione by deed poll to Paddy Power ahead of the forthcoming rugby world cup which starts in Paris this Friday.

The deal has been brokered on behalf of the Irish bookmaker.

As part of a campaign orchestrated by sports marketing agency Fuse SPORT for bookmakers Paddy Power, Epeli Taione – the Tongan 19-stone centre-come winger-come flanker-come number 8 – has officially changed his name by deed poll to Paddy Power ahead of the tournament in France, which kicks off in Paris on September 7th.
 
The 19 stone 28 year-old centre/winger/flanker used to play for Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons but now plays in Japan. He is expecting to be referred to as Paddy Power throughout the tournament by the team mates, family, fans and the media….
 
Image
Tonga is due to play England in their final pool game on 28 September.

The orginal Paddy Power of the Dublin bookmaker met up with Epeli Taione and the Tongan team in Manchester before they left for France. Following the announcement of the deal, he said: “Imagine the headlines - ’Paddy Power scores against England. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of.”

The International Rugby Board is believed to be less amused with the arrangement however.

Taione's agent Nick Taylor of Phoenix Management said the opportunity to help the Tongans was too good to turn down. "We are really appreciative of Paddy Power's efforts in help to supporting an emerging nation like Tonga."

Fuse Sport was established in Manchester in 2006 as a dedicated sports marketing consultancy. Clients include Paddy Power, Northern Rock, AOL and a host of sports personalities including Ricky Hatton, Andy Johnson and Paul Robinson.  

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  Comments (7)
RSS comments
 1 By Nigel Sarbutts, on 06-09-2007 12:24
Celebrity changes their name during the Rugby World Cup to promote a brand...now where have I heard that before?
 2 By Joseph Foster, on 06-09-2007 22:27
Assuming Mr Sarbutts is speaking of when Communique changed Julia Carling's name to Julia Marston's Pedigree Ale or whatever. That was a bit different Mr S. This guy is actually in the tournament. Although, being from Tonga, perhaps not for too long.
 3 By Tony Murray, on 09-09-2007 15:31
Nige, much as I love you man, can I ask is anybody still at Communique from the time of the Julia Carling stunt? Or maybe they've all stayed, but just collectively changed their names...
 4 By Nigel Sarbutts, on 09-09-2007 23:27
1999? Yeah, right. Hands up anyone here still with the same employer they were with eight years ago - I can't see your hand Tony...
 5 By Tony Murray, on 10-09-2007 10:35
So, then, Nige, no-one?
 6 By Uriel Achoukhi website, on 07-11-2007 00:03
That makes it easier to pronounce.
 7 By Gay Carl Thewlis website, on 12-01-2008 15:25
I changed my name to skint eastwood using Deed Poll Legal, I think I was pissed at the time. what a prat :) 
http://www.deedpolllegal.co.uk - take a look at the other stupid names on here 
will crack you up

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