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English Rugby Beer-Drinking Goes Mobile

Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

Thirsty rugby fans can get their beer faster this weekend.

In a bid to ease long lines for refreshment, the English Rugby Football Union—governing body

for the game in England—is rolling out mobile payment service ZNAP for the England vs.

Ireland international match Saturday at Twickenham stadium.

Via an app, fans will be able to use their smartphones to order in advance and prepay for food

and drinks at six bars, minimizing wait times before, during and after the game, including at

halftime.

The rugby league aims to roll out the service, operated by scanning QR codes, across all the

stadium’s outlets by the end of the year.

“The platform enables us to speed up shopping times, reduce queues and deliver special offers

and loyalty rewards,” says Sophie Goldschmidt, the league’s chief commercial officer.

Trials at earlier games showed that 67% of those who downloaded the app registered it for use.

ZNAP, which is a product from Hong Kong-based technology company MPayMe, has ambitions

that don’t just rest with sports.

Reflecting the growth of “mobile wallets,” it is targeting all types of events and shopping

experiences, both for consumers and businesses. ZNAP is launching pilots in the U.K., the U.S.

and Southeast Asia.

U.K.-based accountant and rugby player Craig “Fudge” Jones was excited: “Just downloaded

@ZNAP ready for a few drinks at the game tomo!!! COME ON ENGLAND!!.”

Still, some rugby supporters at Saturday’s clash, part of the Six Nations tournament, may find

themselves frustrated. ZNAP is currently available on iOS, BlackBerryBB.T -1.25% and

Android. Rugby fan with a Windows phone? Back to queuing.