The world’s first global fantasy rugby and online marketplace has launched, backed financially by French rugby superstar Antoine Dupont.
The launch of free-to-play OVAL3, developed by $12.5 million BAMG Sports, comes days before the start of the 2023 Rugby World Cup when France meet New Zealand on Friday, September 8, kicking off rugby’s global showpiece event.
Fans can compete in OVAL3’s global fantasy league to collect points and digital playing cards which can then be used as part of an immersive rugby gaming experience. Players can exchange their digital playing cards for tokens, tickets, merchandise and exclusive fan experiences, bringing them closer to the sport than ever before.
Amongst an impressive roster of investors in OVAL3 is France scrum-half and captain, Antoine Dupont. Dupont won World Rugby’s Men’s 15s Player of the Year award in 2021 and is amongst the favourites to lift the iconic William Webb Ellis Cup in Paris on Saturday, October 28.
Also investing in the platform are 2003 Rugby World Cup winners Simon Shaw and Andy Gomarsall, both of whom who also played in England’s 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign which ended in defeat in the final to South Africa. Meanwhile, French Top14 player Soufiane Guitoune, who plies his trade for current Top14 champions Toulouse, has been confirmed as an ambassador.
As well as launching the first global fantasy rugby league, OVAL3 has partnered with the Top14 and Pro D2 in France and the USA’s Major League Rugby (MLR) to provide fans with an online trading platform. Players will have access to more than 2,300 players from 42 clubs across the three leagues, with the ability to sign first team players, rising stars and academy prospects to their virtual squads based on their real performances.
OVAL3 has been developed by BAMG Sports, a UK-based company co-founded by a group of passionate French rugby fans and digital sport professionals.
Tony Bouquier, CEO of BAMG Sports, said: “With our new fantasy game, we’re delivering an immersive experience that brings the excitement of top rugby leagues right to your fingertips.
“Players will be able to assemble a dream team, make strategic decisions, and experience the thrill of becoming a rugby manager. We want to start a new era of enriched rugby games, where the passion for the sport meets the excitement of trading and collecting.”
Antoine Dupont, France rugby captain and OVAL3 investor, added: “I’m really excited to be a part of OVAL3. Rugby needs to find new ways of engaging with people around the world if it is to continue growing and attracting new fans.
“The 2023 Rugby World Cup is an amazing platform to do that and for fans to be able to play the best online fantasy league, for free, while we’re out on the pitch showcasing this incredible sport, will bring them closer to the sport than ever before.”
For more information about OVAL3 and to start playing, visit https://www.oval3.game/
