Jonny Wilkinson stars in Travelex's debut UK TV ad

LONDON - British & Irish Lions rugby star and World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson has swapped his rugby ball for a pile of stones and a stick as part of Travelex's first TV campaign, which compares the star's competitive nature to its deals on foreign currency.

The two new spots, created by M&C Saatchi, will air for the first time on June 19 using the line "Travelex hate to be beaten too" to promote Travelex's price promise.

The first spot, called "stones", shows Wilkinson out for his daily jog on the beach where he passes someone skimming stones on the water.

The rugby star can not resist the challenge of trying to beat him and gets involved in a competition to see who can get their stone the furthest, which he manages by throwing a stone so far that it hits a passing boat way out at sea.

The second ad, called "fetch", features Wilkinson relaxing in a park reading a book when yet again he is distracted, this time by a man wrestling with a dog and his stick. As the dog-owner throws the stick Wilkinson sees his opportunity to be the first to reach it.

Lloyd Dorfman, chairman and CEO of Travelex, said: "We believe that Jonny is the personification of the Travelex brand. He is an ambassador that shares our global brand values.

"He is a world-class rugby player, renowned for his professionalism, determination and relentless dedication to excellence and as such is the perfect fit for us."

Wilkinson has signed a two-year deal with the group to be the face of its advertising as part of the group's ongoing brand ambassador programme, which also includes the vice-captain of the Australian cricket team Adam Gilchrist, who was appointed in 2003.

A third ambassador to support Travelex's business in the Americas will be added later this year.

"These ads really do reflect my personality. I hate being beaten, whether it's in a rugby match, throwing a skimmer on the beach or even a game of table tennis with my brother. I will do anything to be competitive, just like Travelex," Wilkinson said.

The ads will appear nationally on British screens to coincide with the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.

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