Making the Squad
Thanks to MasterCard, Rugby fan Ben Fenner spent the week in the lead up to the game living, eating and training with the all-star squad, including Matt Giteau, Ma’a Nonu and Martyn Williams, as the 23rd member of the BaaBaas.
Ben, a 25 year old teacher from Harrogate in Yorkshire said, “This is such an unbelievable prize - I can’t believe that I was chosen and I have had an absolute blast this week.”
Ben Fenner checks in to the Hotel.(Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben poses with his new Baabaas kit. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben stands outside the team lodgings - The Grosvenor House Hotel. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
The squad heads to training. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben shares a joke with Anton Van Zyl and Will Genia. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
The squad come together for thier first team meeting, taken by Coach Nick Mallett. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben Fenner picks up some tips at a star-studded team meeting. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Some of the other Be Number 23 finalists join Ben to watch a training session.(Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben scrums down at training. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben poses for a picture with Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau (L-R) of Australia. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben (R) in conversation with Barbarians Colin Bourke, Chris Jack and Drew Mitchell. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben meets halfback Andrew Ellis of New Zealand All Blacks fame. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben in conversation with Matt Giteau of Australia. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
The Baabaas bench prepares for a replacement. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Barbarians Halfback Will Genia of Australia goes in for the tackle. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
The Barbarians celebrate a thrilling victory over World Champions South Africa. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben celebrates with some of the All Black members of the BaaBaas, Neemia Tialata and Keven Mealamu. (Photo by Getty Images for MasterCard).
Ben’s Week as Number 23:
- Sunday - Meet the team at their 5* star Central London Hotel. Attend President’s reception hosted by Micky Steele-Bodger
- Monday - Training session and dinner with the squad at top London Restaurant
- Tuesday - Training session and informal team meeting
- Wednesday - Training session and Barbarians pub quiz, hosted by MasterCard
- Thursday - Team meeting and dinner with the squad at a top London Restaurant
- Friday - Captain’s run and pre-match team meeting
- Saturday - MATCHDAY! Enjoy the game from the BaaBaas subs bench and celebrate with the team post match in Central London