Rugby Challenge 2 tackles Lions fever

All eyes may be on the Premier League this weekend, but Alternative Software expects to cash in on a rising interest in rugby.

Rugby Challenge 2: The Lions Tour Edition is due for release on Xbox 360 and PS3 on June 13th, halfway through this year’s major rugby tournament.

The game features 110 official teams, 50 stadiums, competition fixtures plus enchanced features based on the 2011 release, Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge.

Alternative MD Roger Hulley predicts the sports’ growing popularity will make the sequel a solid seller this summer.

With the British and Irish Lions tour about to start, enthusiasm for rubgy is reaching fever pitch,” he told MCV. We expect to see the sales rocket as the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia peaks and receives the media attention it truly deserves.

Criticially we expect very good things. Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge received high ratings across the board, and this iteration has only built on the high-quality gameplay that made its predecessor so successful.”

An ad campaign for Rugby Challenge 2 is already underway, with adverts and editorial in mainstream and gaming press, as well as dedicated rugby magazines.