Carry Out Brand Ambassador, Brent Pope talks to Donna Ahern about his role to date, the Haka and the Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand born rugby player, television analyst, rugby journalist, charity worker, children's book author, after dinner speaker, founder of Outside in Art Gallery in Dublin Ireland and owner of Pope shirts and shoes, took on the role as Brand Ambassador for Carry Out Off-Licences.
He was born, raised and spent his rugby playing career in New Zealand, but has lived and worked in Ireland for most of his broadcasting career.
How would you describe your role as Carry Out Brand Ambassador?
My role is about promoting the Carry Out brand and its ethos across Ireland. I hope to be a knowledgeable ambassador, who gives advice and guidance on what wines and drinks are suitable for any occasion, and somebody that always promotes Carry Outs positive and important message of responsible drinking at all times.
What do you enjoy most about your current role with Carry Out?
The ethos of the company – despite having a huge nationwide presence, they retain a local, friendly base. The Barry Group in general are very down to earth people to work with and that is reflected in their brand and what they are about. They also have a mature ethos around promoting drink in a responsible, but enjoyable and knowledgeable, way.
2019 marks the 10th anniversary of Barry Group’s acquisition of the Carry Out brand. How will you be involved in celebrating this landmark?
I am delighted to be involved during such a monumental year for the brand. Over the past 10 years, Barry Group have seen the brand go from strength to strength and this is a year to acknowledge all of its great achievements to date. I will be attending Carry Out retailer events to mark the occasion with them, along with some activities in Carry Out stores.
I am also putting my knowledge to the test, choosing a product of the month for the rest of the year.
For me, these are some of the best wines, beers and spirits on the market so it is great to be able to give them a little acknowledgement. Along with these two great opportunities, I also will be working with a few media partners and featuring on the Carry Out social media and website, so I’ve a busy year ahead!
Why do you think you were chosen to represent the brand?
I had hoped it was because I am a genuine person that has been involved across a range of areas in my life, from sport and mental health advocacy, to writing children’s books and my association with RTE for 25 years.
I am also at an age (56) where I enjoy giving responsible options to people to enjoy a drink at home. I am also a huge advocate of non-alcoholic drinks as a serious option for those who are driving or choose not to drink, which is a market that has really exploded, so this partnership with Carry Out ties in well with other aspects of my life. I hope they are pleased with the Pope-Carry Out fit.
What has been the highlight of your career?
Doing the Haka when you are playing for your country remains a highlight, as does winning the New Zealand first division Championship with Otago in 1991, the first time it was ever achieved, and with a special bunch of friends that I will treasure for life.
Memories are more about people you played with or against than actual game highlights. The camaraderie, respect and love of sport is what is most important - games fade, friendships don’t.
Who are the team to watch out for in the Rugby World Cup?
Most people will say Scotland, but keep an eye on Japan at full strength. As South Africa found out in 2015, they can be a handful for any team. To get out of their group, which is their goal, they have to beat either Scotland or Ireland. Samoa would have been a serious ask a few years ago, and they can inflict serious physical damage on opposition teams.
One of their players, Brian Lima was nicknamed the chiropractor because if he tackled you, you had to see one, but most of their key players are now based overseas, so they are probably not as strong as they were in other World Cup cycles.
Ireland’s game against Scotland will be crucial in avoiding the All Blacks.
Who can beat New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup?
New Zealand. New Zealand can get anxious as they are always the favourites and that brings nerves and expectation. Despite a loss to Wales, England are looking strong. Of course, Ireland has beaten the All Blacks, while Wales or South Africa won’t be far away at the end either, and who knows what France, Australia or Argentina, all good World Cup teams, will produce. It is very tight.
How far do you think Ireland can go in the Rugby World Cup?
The expectation is, potentially, all the way. They certainly have the ability and, if certain players stay fit and in form, they can reach a final, and even win it. But they are struggling to get that cohesion back at the moment. My worry would be the quarter final game, which will probably be either against the All Blacks or South Africa.
If they get through that, they can definitely make the final, and if they get that far who would not think they can do it. Of course, all this is based on the fact that they top their pool first, so that they avoid New Zealand, which I expect them to do.
What skills from the world of rugby have helped you most in business?
My ability to communicate well with people from different backgrounds, an ability to be focused and driven, and to set goals, both daily ones and longer-term ones. As a coach, I also had to use mental skills in motivation and tactical planning to get the best results.
If you had a dinner party what three people would you invite?
Nelson Mandela - not only was he an inspiration for everybody but his life was about forgiveness, passion and empathy.
Muhammed Ali, simply because he was my sporting idol growing up, and Parkinson as he could share so many great interview stories.
I’d like to have the Rolling Stones at the after party, and my future wife, if I could ever find one.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
