Nathan Heuillet
Published on
Exciting News For Rugby Fans And Collectors! A new wave of collectible fever is hitting the rugby world with the launch of Iwoak Rugby Cards. These aren’t your ordinary trading cards; each one features an image of a player from the prestigious Top 14 and is personally autographed.
Imagine owning a piece of rugby history, signed by your favorite player. This innovative concept is the brainchild of Julien Goenaga and supports the noble cause, “A Jersey for Life.”
Iwoak Rugby Cards: A Collector’s Dream
The initial release showcases eight prominent French rugby stars, and each card is dedicated by the player’s own hand.
The concept is both simple and brilliant: each player has 98 unique cards bearing their image and signature. Priced at 35 Euros each, a portion of the proceeds goes to “A Jersey For Life,” an organization that helps hospitalized children fulfill their dreams.
Featured players include Maxime Machaud, Camille Lopez, Nans Ducuing, Well Tameifuna, Jon Echegaray, François Cros, Vincent Moscato, and Denis Charvet. Over 780 cards are available for purchase on The Iwoak Site.
Goenaga explained that the idea stemmed from his child’s interest in collecting cards. frustrated with the standard Panini albums, he decided to create something unique.After selling his business, he committed himself full-time to Iwoak, he told Actually Rugby.
“I wanted to create something unique, a premium product with stunning paper, and especially this vrey personal side where the player signed each card,” Goenaga said. “It’s a bit like vintage baseball cards. in addition, on the back of each card, we find the player’s journey accompanied by a photo of him at the rugby school. This is a message for kids to say that they too can get there.”
The Genesis Of iwoak: A Kiss And An Idea
The journey began with a meeting with nans Ducuing. Goenaga, a former player from Mérignac, connected with Ducuing through mutual contacts in the rugby community. Despite Ducuing being injured at the time, he was eager to support Goenaga’s vision.
“I didn’t know him at all, but we found common connections in rugby,” goenaga recounted. “I wrote to him on Instagram to explain the project to him,and he hung immediately!” The initial idea involved imprinting a kiss on the cards,but they ultimately decided on signatures due to the disruptive nature of the original concept.
(right) The back of Camille Lopez’s cards. (©IWOAK)
Personalities Invested And Volunteers
the players quickly embraced Goenaga’s entrepreneurial concept. Ducuing’s agreement was the catalyst.
“It was he who allowed me to set foot in the stirrup and have a little legitimacy.This is why I frequently enough say that it is indeed a bit the sponsor of the project. provided that you have a player, it’s easier to convince others. Then I went to Toulouse to meet the players after training. I had 10 to 20 seconds to explain the concept to them. We still managed to obtain the signature of François Cros, such as.”
More players are expected to join the Iwoak adventure. The first cards are currently available on The official Website.
The Enduring Appeal Of trading Cards
The concept of collecting cards isn’t new, but Iwoak has put a spin on it. The trading card industry continues to thrive, with the global market estimated at $13.82 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $24.41 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.57% according to Fortune Business Insights. This growth is fueled by nostalgia, the thrill of the chase, and the potential for investment.
Did You know? The most expensive trading card ever sold was a Honus Wagner baseball card, which fetched $7.25 million in a private sale in 2022.
Why Iwoak Rugby Cards Stand Out
Iwoak offers a unique combination of sports fandom, collectible value, and charitable giving. Each card contains a personal touch with the player’s signature and background story and supports a worthy cause.
Pro Tip: Keep your Iwoak rugby cards in protective sleeves and a binder to maintain their condition and value.
Frequently Asked questions About Iwoak Rugby cards
- What are Iwoak rugby cards?
- Who are some of the players featured on Iwoak rugby cards?
- How many Iwoak rugby cards are available for each player?
- How much does an Iwoak rugby card cost?
- Where can I purchase Iwoak rugby cards?
- What makes Iwoak rugby cards unique?
Iwoak rugby cards are collectible trading cards featuring images of players from the Top 14, each hand-signed by the players themselves. These unique cards support the “A Jersey For Life” charity.
The initial series of Iwoak cards features eight French rugby personalities, including Maxime Machaud, Camille Lopez, Nans Ducuing, and François Cros.
There are only 98 Iwoak cards available per player,making them a limited and exclusive collectible.
Each Iwoak rugby card is priced at 35 Euros,with a portion of the proceeds donated to the “A Jersey For Life” association.
Iwoak rugby cards are available for purchase on the official Iwoak website.
Besides being hand-signed, each iwoak card includes a photo and details about the player’s journey, from their early days in rugby to their current status.
What do you think about this new way to collect rugby memorabilia? Which player’s card would you want to get your hands on first? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
what are the key factors influencing the value of a rare rugby card,beyond just its rarity?
Rare Rugby Cards: A CollectorS Must-Have Guide
The world of rugby card collecting is a passionate hobby,filled with history,competition,and a unique blend of investment potential. Discovering and owning rare rugby cards isn’t just about possessing pieces of cardboard; it’s about cherishing historical artifacts and becoming part of a vibrant community. This guide explores the factors influencing rugby card value, highlighting the significance of certain players and sets while offering practical collecting tips for both the novice enthusiast and experienced collector.
Understanding Rugby Card Value
The value of a rugby card,like any collectible,depends on a multitude of factors.While rarity is key, othre aspects considerably impact a card’s market worth. The player featured,the card’s condition,the set it belongs to,and the number of cards printed all contribute to determining its overall value.
Player Significance and Rugby Card Rarity
Cards featuring legendary rugby players like Jonah Lomu, Richie McCaw, and Gareth Edwards tend to be highly prized. Their historical significance, and also those of star players of today, elevate the card’s desirability in the collector’s market. Cards featuring rookie cards or cards signed are frequently enough more valuable. cards featuring players from successful teams or those breaking records can also command significant premuims.These are all related to their historical importance, popularity, and the players’ overall influence on the game.
- Hall of Fame Players: Cards documenting the careers of players inducted into the Rugby Hall of Fame are particularly sought out.
- Limited Editions: Cards with low print runs or those specially marked as ‘limited edition’ often increase in value over time.
- Rookie Cards: Early-career rookie cards of promising players can be excellent investments.
Card Condition and Grading
The condition of a rugby card is perhaps the most crucial factor in determining its value. The slightest imperfections, such as corner wear, scratches, or fading, can drastically reduce a card’s monetary worth. Professional grading services assess the condition of rugby cards and assign grades that influence their overall market value.
Grading services like PSA and BGS provide autonomous, unbiased assessments. Cards are graded on criteria like centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. A higher grade means a higher value – this can significantly add to the value.
Hear’s a fast look at how cards are graded:
| Grade (e.g., PSA) | Description | Approximate Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 10 (Gem Mint) | Perfect condition, with no flaws. | Highest value potential. |
| 9 (Mint) | Near-perfect with minimal imperfections. | high value. |
| 8 (Near Mint-Mint) | Slight imperfections visible. | Solid value. |
| 7 (Near Mint) | Some wear visible. | Good value. |
Collecting and Investing in Rugby Cards
Building a valuable rugby card collection requires a strategic approach, blending passion with practical investment decisions. Thorough research, careful card management, and active participation within the collecting community are pivotal steps.
Starting Your Collection
New collectors may find it tempting to pursue the newest, most flashy cards, but many successful collections begin with lower-cost, older cards.Do your research before you begin.Ask questions.
- Research: Learn about different rugby card sets, their historical significance, and the market value of the players.
- Budget: Set a budget and track your spending to ensure you can continue to grow your collection at your desired pace.
- Join a community Connect with other collectors online to join discussions,participate in trades,and identify opportunities that expand both your collection and your network.
Preserving and Protecting Your Rugby Cards
Proper care is essential for preserving your card’s value. Always utilize protective card sleeves, top loaders, and storage boxes to prevent any damage and any potential impact.
- Card Savers: Use appropriate sleeves
- Toploaders: Stiff, plastic holders that offer another later of protection.
- storage: Store your cards in a cool,dry place away from direct sunlight.
Investing in Rugby Cards
Rugby cards can be a fun investment, but do not put all of your money into one single investment. Cards of high value in the past can be worth less in the future. Diversification protects your interests.
Starr Cards offers a “retro 50 Series” of custom rugby cards with stylish designs featuring pennants, detailed rugby balls, and ornate signatures, which could be interesting to collectors looking for unique pieces. This is a practical presentation of the diversity found in the rugby card market.
Remember that understanding the market,the specific player,and the condition of the sport are all essential when investing in the sports card market.
