James the Bull tries on rugby jerseys

James the Bull tries on rugby jerseys

When Bulls were looking to get into the rugby spirit, they decided a great place to start was by painting the town icon, James the Bull, with the rugby jerseys of all participating countries. James was already black, which provided the perfect backdrop for painting on the rugby jerseys using Resene Lumbersider tinted to Resene Kaitoke Green, Resene Tory Blue, Resene Cobalt, Resene Broom, Resene Monza, Resene Flashpoint and Resene Black.

The bull is on State Highway 1 and prominent in the town centre. Team leader of the project Rebecca McNeil said the new look would make the bull even more of a landmark than it already is.

"People already stop and have their photo taken next to the bull but with it painted up it should be a lot more memorable."

Ms McNeil said the bull would remain painted that way for the rest of the year, and plans were still being discussed as to what to do with it after that. She said one possibility tabled was to get "guest artists" such as charities and organisations to repaint it every year. "It won't be going back to black though in the foreseeable future," she said.

You can check out James the Bull in his new livery for yourself when you are next passing through Bulls. While you are there you can also enjoy all the locally named ‘Bulls’ stores and landmarks – they’re simply incredi-bull!