Updated: 18.46
THE IRISH INDEPENDENT have denied any responsibility in the sudden axing of its Fantasy Rugby World Cup game, run in conjunction with L’Oréal Men Expert, this weekend.
The publication has also revealed that the game has been cancelled and will not be returning.
Earlier in the day, L’Oréal had told The Score that they would contact all registered users with regard to the problems encountered over the weekend.
When asked whether the fault for the cancellation of the game rested with either L’Oréal or the Irish Independent, L’Oréal’s head of corporate communications, David MacDonald, responded: “Somewhere in between. We are looking into the problem but we have not been able to identify it as yet.”
However, Eileen Ruddy – Group Online Sales Director with Independent Digital – vehemently denied to The Score that the Irish Independent held any responsibility for the game’s cancellation.
“There’s no ‘in between’ here whatsoever, the issue lays entirely with the Fantasy League providers.”
The Independent also issued a statement on Monday evening, further explaining why the plug was pulled on the game.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control unfortunately the L’Oreal Men Expert Fantasy Rugby League game has been cancelled,” the statement read.
“The Property Owners of the Fantasy League game have informed us that due to legal issues they are unable to continue operating the site and advised us to pull the game immediately.
“A statement will be issued from L’Oréal to all registered users of the game today and a statement will also be posted on the L’Oréal website.
“Independent.ie was used solely as a communication channel to promote the Fantasy League site and hold no responsibility whatsoever in the cancellation of the game.”
L’Oréal finally released their own statement to users of the game on Monday evening.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control the L’Oréal Men Expert Fantasy league has closed. You can no longer register to take part in the league. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause. For any further queries please email menexpert@ie.loreal.com.
For those of you who have already registered to take part in the L’Oréal Men Expert Fantasy League, you have been entered automatically into a prize draw to win tickets to all of Ireland’s Six Nations games in 2012, with flights and accommodation included for all away games. Three runners up will each receive a L’Oréal Men Expert Hamper containing a selection of skincare products from the range including L’Oréal men Expert Hydra Energetic Eye Roll on, Vitalift Moisturiser, Aftershave Balm and Anti – Irritation Shaving Foam.
The computer record of the registration of the player will be considered the entry. No purchase or further action is necessary. Winners will be notified by 11th November 2011.
ESPN and the Irish Times also run RWC2011 games. Thanks to TheScore reader Niall McGrath for the heads up.
Fair play to him taking these chances and holding his place. He will be tested in the air as will Lowe and Larmour this weekend but we’ll able to ride it out.
It’s great to see players using the 7′s area as a way to add new strings to their bow. He has had a really good season and with he opportunities given by Leo has grabbed them with both hands.
Hopefully he continues to get better.
Such a pity they couldn’t celebrate properly. A lot of dry legs in McSorleys that night.
Great player with all the required skills. Himself & Shane Daly will be pushing Larmour hard for the Ireland 15 shirt after next season.
@Daithí O’ Donnabhain: I’d say its between Stockdale Larmour and Conway
@Rudiger McMonihan: yup between those 3 for now, but Keenan & Daly both have what it takes to challange if they stay fit & in form.
Larmour is being backed by Leinster & Ireland as our 15. Can’t see Conway at 15, Munster won’t play him there & need him more on the wing. Stockdale is being tried @ 15 up North, so with more experience he’s definitely an option. Keenan & Daly will definitely come into the mix though. Stockdale & Keenan are both 24 & Larmour & Daly both 23, some excellent quality from those four to build on, plus they all cover fullback & wing.
@Daithí O’ Donnabhain: they are great in the air and defence but dont offer enough in attack for me. Farrell and whoever succeeds him might not be looking for that style of FB though. I must admit, I thought stockdale was older than that. Its amazing how much hes accomplished becoming one of the senior ulster players and a nailed on irish starter in such a short period.
Fastest player in Leinster apparently !
100% a winger