Brand Experience · Case study
The Sound of Immortalisation.
The Player of the Match Sonic Trophy for Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand: a ceramic trophy that captures the live audio of each match, immortalising the raw emotion of the game in sound. Created with Octagon for Mastercard.
Inspired by the Kaikaranga, the powerful, graceful female voice of Māori culture, and crafted in Māori design throughout. Each trophy carries an 80-second sonic track, one second for every minute of play, made from the commentary, fan reactions and stadium roar of the match it celebrates.
Designed by Nichola Te Kiri, a Māori fashion designer, drawing on the ceremonial traditions of Aotearoa / New Zealand. Every element of the trophy carries meaning.
The form is drawn from the kākahu, the traditional cloak, capturing its movement as it is worn.
Tāniko woven bands top and bottom; Niho Taniwha diamonds for the 12 teams at the centre and the two teams of each match on the sides; Whatu, the body weave.
Inspired by the korowai cloak, made from muka (flax fibre). The base honours the whenua and maunga of Tāmaki Makaurau and Whangārei, where games were played.
An 80-second soundtrack, one second for every minute of play, immortalising the commentary, fan reactions and stadium roar.
Design: Nichola Te Kiri
Niho Taniwha
3D design
Ceramic production
Fired by hand
The Sonic Trophy