http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/ en-us Copyright 2010 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:28:02 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss
Ben Fenner braves the cold along with Anton van Zyl and Will Genia © Getty Images
Friday started with a team meeting at 9.15 with Nick Mallet going over video analysis and all the main threats posed by the Springboks. We then went over to the training ground for our last training session. All of the drills they'd run through in team meetings and in the sports hall over the week were put into practice in the snow. A lot of the guys have never trained in snow before so it was quite a novelty for them. They all took it in their stride though, with Aussie boys Drew Mitchell and captain Matt Giteau jogging out in just shorts and t-shirts. After another superb lunch, the afternoon was leisure time for the boys to rest and prepare, and get a bit of cheeky shopping in before matchday. I sat down with some of the lads talking about tomorrow and how they were looking forward to their summer (southern hemisphere) break - especially having been on tour for over six weeks now. The evening started at 18.30, meeting the prestigious Barbarians committee for informal chats with all the players. Then we moved on to watch a Barbarians video with the committee, followed by a great dinner upstairs. I've never seen such a focused group of athletes as the boys look now. I’m incredibly excited for matchday and all that it brings. - - - - - - Twenty-five-year-old teacher Ben Fenner is spending this week as a Barbarian, staying with the star – studded team in their five-star central London hotel in the run up to the MasterCard Trophy game against South Africa at Twickenham on December 4. He’s writing an exclusive diary for ESPNscrum, detailing his week with the team as No.23... To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Ben’s week with the Barbarians go to www.benumber23.com/priceless. MasterCard card holders can also get 20% off tickets to the big game at the site. ]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/12/baa_baas_focused_on_bok_challe.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/12/baa_baas_focused_on_bok_challe.php Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:28:02 +0000
The guys tried to run through some moves despite the gloom and arctic-like conditions © Getty Images
Well we got our first outdoor training session in today. Interesting to see how the team gel together on a pitch - even if it was a pitch covered in snow. Mallett is such an inspirational coach and its clear to see the respect the guys have for him. We trained for about an hour, with the backs and forwards split up. Obviously there was a snowball fight - well that was always going to happen with a couple of inches on the ground! Spent a bit of time with the back room guys today. Rhys and Matt (in charge of Team Admin) are top boys and work incredibly hard at sorting everything out for the team, from match day logistics to training, to all the admin in the hotel. Wayne the pyhsio (who has a black belt in karate) has been in high demand this week. After a long season the guys are all in need of a bit of TLC and Wayne is the the man on call!! He's bought some new massage oil back from Australia that he says is the business. Hoping to get my session in later on.... Quiet evening planned for later - a lot of the guys are currently chilling around the hotel - a lot of video game and movie action! - - - - - - Twenty-five-year-old teacher Ben Fenner is spending this week as a Barbarian, staying with the star – studded team in their five-star central London hotel in the run up to the MasterCard Trophy game against South Africa at Twickenham on December 4. He’s writing an exclusive diary for ESPNscrum, detailing his week with the team as No.23... To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Ben’s week with the Barbarians go to www.benumber23.com/priceless. MasterCard card holders can also get 20% off tickets to the big game at the site. ]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/12/training_descends_into_snow_ba.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/12/training_descends_into_snow_ba.php Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:21:29 +0000
The snow continues to play havoc with the Barbarians' training plans © Getty Images
Wednesday started off slowly as training was again limited because of the weather! It was indoors again because the pitch was covered in snow. The boys ran through some drills - both attacking and defensive. Training didn't last long and it was back on the bus to the hotel for a free afternoon. After a good lunch in the hotel, some of the lads and I hit London for some Christmas shopping which means I now have something for my wife nice and early! The evening started with a Club drinks reception with both squads. There was some superb canapés on offer which we made the most off. At 7.30 we headed off for a great dinner at San Lorenzo restaurant. The evening was superb with some great singers surprising everyone with some cracking Italian classics!! This was only topped by some wonderful authentic Italian singing from none other than Salvatore Perugini! A brilliant way to finish the evening. - - - - - - Twenty-five-year-old teacher Ben Fenner is spending this week as a Barbarian, staying with the star – studded team in their five-star central London hotel in the run up to the MasterCard Trophy game against South Africa at Twickenham on December 4. He’s writing an exclusive diary for ESPNscrum, detailing his week with the team as No.23... To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Ben’s week with the Barbarians go to www.benumber23.com/priceless. MasterCard card holders can also get 20% off tickets to the big game at the site. ]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/12/on_song_for_boks_clash.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/12/on_song_for_boks_clash.php Wed, 01 Dec 2010 22:59:58 +0000
Ben takes in the Barbarians' team meeting at the team hotel on Tuesday © Getty Images
Tuesday started with all the lads having breakfast followed by a team meeting. Nick was going over attacking options from lineouts, rucks, scrums etc with everyone ahead of our first training session later in the day. It all looks incredibly complicated, but all the boys took it in their stride and seemed to know exactly what to do. Our set piece play at the Viscounts is nowhere near as difficult. From the hotel it was off to training, although due to the snowy and cold weather, we were inside. Everyone split off into their units - forwards practicing lineout calls and jumps, and the backs had a game of basketball as they couldn't do any running. After a while, the whole squad walked through scrum and ruck moves - I was picking up tips all day, especially off Mealamu and Moore. The other members of the benumber23 finalist day turned up to watch training, which was great chatting to them about my week so far. Lunch was back at the hotel - a fantastic steak, and then all the lads had to do their media commitments for the game - Sky Sports, SA TV, and all the papers. Once that was finished, we travelled over to Canary Wharf for a pub-style quiz with employees of MasterCard. The Baa-Baas were split between the tables, and proved to be great help in the quiz. Off out for a few quiet ones now with the boys as there is a free day tomorrow for everyone so people will be shopping, some doing media commitments (again!) and others just chilling. - - - - - - Twenty-five-year-old teacher Ben Fenner is spending this week as a Barbarian, staying with the star – studded team in their five-star central London hotel in the run up to the MasterCard Trophy game against South Africa at Twickenham on December 4. He’s writing an exclusive diary for ESPNscrum, detailing his week with the team as No.23... To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Ben’s week with the Barbarians go to www.benumber23.com/priceless. MasterCard card holders can also get 20% off tickets to the big game at the site. ]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/11/_xxxxxx_getty_images.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/11/_xxxxxx_getty_images.php Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:01:12 +0000
Ben Fenner poses with Baa Baas team-mates Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau © Getty Images
We had our first team event in the hotel last night, a president’s reception hosted by Micky Steele-Bodger himself and then a team dinner. The Aussies were in particularly good form and are such friendly guys. It’s amazing when you see them on television and then there they are in front of you. Looks like there will be no training today due to the bad weather, but we had a team meeting led by Nick Mallet, a very impressive speaker and coach and I’m picking up tips. The boys were then all given their kit in the team room and we had a full run down of what the week has in store for us. Not everyone here has played for the Baa Baas before so I guess some of us are in the same boat. We’ve got a free afternoon today so a lot of the guys are heading into town...and to Winter Wonderland. There is talk of a ‘training on ice’ photo stunt later this week. Adam Ashley-Cooper seems keen but I think I’ll opt out if I can... - - - - - - Twenty five-year-old teacher Ben Fenner is spending this week as a Barbarian, staying with the star – studded team in their five-star central London hotel in the run up to the MasterCard Trophy game against South Africa at Twickenham on December 4. He’s writing an exclusive diary for ESPNscrum, detailing his week with the team as No.23... To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Ben’s week with the Barbarians go to www.benumber23.com/priceless. MasterCard card holders can also get 20% off tickets to the big game at the site. ]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/11/learning_the_ropes.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/11/learning_the_ropes.php Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:41:27 +0000
Ben Fenner gets settled in at the team hotel © Getty Images
I arrived at the hotel to be met by the Baa Baas’ team representatives. And what an amazing hotel! I can’t believe I’m going to be here for a week, living with some of the biggest names in world rugby. The finalists’ day - when I got to meet Will Greenwood at Twickenham – was such a privilege; I just can’t imagine what this week has in store for me. Rhys, one of the kit guys, gave me my bag – No.23 of course – with all the Baa Baas stash. Some great bits of kit in there, including a beanie, which I think will be much needed. I have to make sure I am wearing the right kit at the right time what with training, team events and formal functions. Good job I brought my club tie. The team arrived slowly, with the guys coming from so many locations after the end of the autumn internationals. The Kiwis arrived from Cardiff, the Aussies from France and the rest of the team throughout the day. Enjoyed a relaxed lunch with Anton Van Zyl from Western Province – a top guy. The rest of the team is looking pretty impressive too: James O'Connor (Aus), Joe Rococoko (NZ), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Aus), Ma'a Nonu (NZ), Drew Mitchell (Aus), Matt Giteau (Aus, capt), Will Genia (Aus), Salvatore Perugini (It), Stephen Moore (Aus), Neemia Tialata (NZ), Anton van Zyl (Stormers), Chris Jack (NZ), Rodney So'oialo (NZ), Martyn Williams (Wales), Colin Bourke (Chiefs) Replacements: Keven Mealamu (NZ), John Yapp (Wales), Quintin Geldenhuys (It), Daniel Braid (NZ), Andy Ellis (NZ), Stephen Donald (NZ), Seru Rabini (Fij) - - - - - - Twenty five-year-old teacher Ben Fenner is spending this week as a Barbarian, staying with the star-studded team in their five-star central London hotel in the run-up to the MasterCard Trophy game against South Africa at Twickenham on December 4. He’s writing an exclusive diary for ESPNscrum, detailing his week with the team as No.23. To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Ben’s week with the Barbarians go to www.benumber23.com/priceless. MasterCard card holders can also get 20% off tickets to the big game at the site. ]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/11/getting_to_know_you.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/11/getting_to_know_you.php Sun, 28 Nov 2010 18:27:26 +0000
Ben Fenner makes himself at home with the Barbarians © Getty Images
MasterCard competition winner Ben Fenner, a teacher from Somerset, is spending a week living, eating and training with the all-star squad, including Martyn Williams and Matt Giteau, as the 23rd member of the Barbarians squad for The MasterCard Trophy. Stay tuned for full details...]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/11/being_the_23rd_barbarian.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/11/being_the_23rd_barbarian.php Sat, 27 Nov 2010 07:52:59 +0000
No.23 Kevin Wand chats with David Barnes during a training session © Getty Images
I had the great pleasure of sitting next to Micky Steele-Bodger last night at our last team outing before Sunday's game. What a privilege to be able to spend an evening with one of the legends of the game. He has some stories! Today was a pretty easy day for the boys with no training in the run up to the game tomorrow. There was a captain's run in Hyde Park which drew a bit of attention from tourists and media alike. Rushie (Xavier Rush) is relishing the chance to lead the squad out tomorrow. The team are in great shape - despite a long season - and we're all confident they'll put in a good performance at Twickers. Sackey has been getting a bit of banter from his England mates about the game. He's paranoid he's going to head into the wrong changing room by mistake! I can't beleive I'll be heading to Twickenham tomorrow as part of the Team, sharing all their emotions and following in their foot steps as they prepare for the game. Early night for us tonight but the guys dont really feel any of the pressure they would if they were playing for their home union. Don't get me wrong, they'd love a win, but as a Baa Baa they are free to just run out, play rugby with some of the stars of the game, and enjoy it. - - - - - - To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Kevin's week with the Barbarians, and for your chance to win other money-can’t-buy rugby prizes, go to www.benumber23.co.uk/priceless. MasterCard is Match Sponsor of the Barbarians international fixtures. The next MasterCard Trophy match takes place on Friday, 4th June at Thomond Park, Limerick. Barbarians v South Africa takes place on 4th December 2010 at Twickenham – www.ticketmaster.co.uk. ]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/dont_get_me_wrong_theyd_love_a.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/dont_get_me_wrong_theyd_love_a.php Sat, 29 May 2010 21:44:21 +0000
No.23 Kevin Wand gets some insight from Barbarians captain Xavier Rush © Getty Images
After a hearty breakfast this morning, we piled on to the team coach to Richmond for training. You can see how closer to the game the training schedule develops and how it gets ramped up. The boys trained for an hour and a half and it was pretty intense. They did lots of drills and they are definitely gelling more and more every time they hit the pitch. I have to say that they were looking sharp! We’ve got a free afternoon today so lots of the boys took the opportunity to do some sightseeing and enjoy a bit of downtime in London. I did the same to be honest! After going for a run in Hyde Park, I caught up on some sleep for an hour or two before we headed out for a team dinner at another top London venue. The dinners are a great way for the team to relax and get to know each other in an informal way, and really help to build that famous Baa Baas team spirit in a short space of time. I’m getting on particularly well with Byron (Kelleher) and Rushie (Xavier Rush) but all the guys have been brilliant. We’re all in the same boat really! You just pull up a chair and whoever is there you just sit and chat to! That’s the Baa Baas way and that’s what makes it so special. … - - - - - - To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Kevin's week with the Barbarians, and for your chance to win other money-can’t-buy rugby prizes, go to www.benumber23.co.uk/priceless. MasterCard is Match Sponsor of the Barbarians international fixtures. The next MasterCard Trophy match takes place on Friday, 4th June at Thomond Park, Limerick. Barbarians v South Africa takes place on 4th December 2010 at Twickenham – www.ticketmaster.co.uk. ]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/thats_the_baa_baas_way.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/thats_the_baa_baas_way.php Fri, 28 May 2010 17:37:24 +0000
Hanging out with Toulouse and former All Blacks No.9 Byron Kelleher © Getty Images
Wednesday night saw all the team head to Scalinis restaurant for the first of our London tour dinners. A great Italian restaurant – and I’m told celeb haunt - it was nearly packed out by all the boys! We were also treated to some opera singing by actors who were masquerading as waiters and waitresses. That was a real treat and some of the squad even joined in! We trained in Hyde Park yesterday, which was a bit of a departure from being on a rugby pitch but a great experience none the less! The backs and the forwards did separate training sessions with Kingsley and Philippe. It was quite interesting to see how the language barriers disappear when you start playing and everyone just slots into their roles so naturally. It was quite emotional for me as my Under 9s made the journey down from Spalding to see the guys in action. They had a great day out and were able to see some of the best players in the world training in one place. Pretty special. It was all capped off by them meeting the squad after training and getting their shirts and balls signed. Paul Sackey even competed in a sprint race with some of them! It was great to see how even guys at this level are happy to engage with the next generation of talent. My family were up yesterday – my wife Becky and my two boys – and they also met all the boys. The day was topped off by a pub quiz in Canary Wharf. Hosted by Match Sponsors MasterCard, it was a fantastic event. Will Greenwood, their Rugby Ambassador, made for an excellent quiz master! Each of the boys were assigned to a table of staff and the winning team was captained by Xavier Rush – a good Omen I hope!!

MC Will Greenwood takes charge at the quiz night © Getty Images

- - - - - - To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Kevin's week with the Barbarians, and for your chance to win other money-can’t-buy rugby prizes, go to www.benumber23.co.uk/priceless. MasterCard is Match Sponsor of the Barbarians international fixtures. The next MasterCard Trophy match takes place on Friday, 4th June at Thomond Park, Limerick. Barbarians v South Africa takes place on 4th December 2010 at Twickenham – www.ticketmaster.co.uk.]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/an_emotional_day.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/an_emotional_day.php Thu, 27 May 2010 23:39:56 +0000
The Cardiff Blues' Xavier Rush is going to skipper the Barbarians against England © Getty Images
After quite a late finish with all the team getting to know each other, we had a good breakfast at the hotel, followed by the second of the week’s team meetings. Xavier [Rush] also said his first few official words as team captain this morning! I think he was the natural choice, and he’s really keen to impress. Sat with Byron Kelleher on the coach on the way to training, chatting away about stuff in general and rugby coaching in particular! Training this morning was a fairly low key session with a few media attendance, but a great opportunity for me to see the boys in action! Highlight of the morning was when Julian White arrived in his 4x4 farm vehicle - all covered in mud! – straight to the training ground! Sat with Ben Kay at lunch time – another top bloke. The boys are really starting to gel now and you can see how the camaraderie is starting to build. We’ve got a free afternoon now, so most of us are taking the opportunity to relax in our rooms. We’ve got another dinner at a top London restaurant this evening so we’ll need to be on form for that! Training again tomorrow and its going to be quite special for me as I’ve got Spalding U9s team – who I coach – coming down to join in, meet the boys, and pick up some tips! The team was also announced today – it’s a pretty impressive line up: 15 Paul Warwick (Ireland - Munster) 14 Paul Sackey (England - London Wasps) 13 Casey Laulala (New Zealand -Cardiff Blues) 12 Florian Fritz (France -Toulouse) 11 Cedric Heymans (France -Toulouse) 10 Jean-Baptiste Ellisalde (France - Toulouse) 9 Byron Kelleher (New Zealand -Toulouse) 1 Rodrigo Roncero (Argentina - Stade Francais) 2 Benoit August (France -Biarritz) 3 Julian White (England - Leicester) 4 Ross Skeate (Toulon) 5 Ben Kay (England - Leicester) 6 Rodney So'oialo (New Zealand - Hurricanes) 7 Martyn Williams (Wales - Cardiff Blues) 8 Xavier Rush (New Zealand -Cardiff Blues, captain) Replacements: 16 Ken Owens (Wales -Scarlets) 17 Census Johnston (Pacific Islands and Samoa-Toulouse) 18 Jerome Thion (France -Biarritz) 19 George Smith (Australia - Brumbies) 20 Pierre Mignoni (France -Toulon) 21 Fabrice Estebanez (Brive) 22 David Smith (Hurricanes) - - - - - - To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Kevin's week with the Barbarians, and for your chance to win other money-can’t-buy rugby prizes, go to www.benumber23.co.uk/priceless. MasterCard is Match Sponsor of the Barbarians international fixtures. The next MasterCard Trophy match takes place on Friday, 4th June at Thomond Park, Limerick. Barbarians v South Africa takes place on 4th December 2010 at Twickenham – www.ticketmaster.co.uk.]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/a_pretty_impressive_lineup.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/a_pretty_impressive_lineup.php Wed, 26 May 2010 17:16:18 +0000
Kevin Wand gets a feel for the No.23 jersey at Twickenham © Getty Images
So, I am now officially a member of the squad! I checked into the hotel today at 11.30. As I walked in to the reception, the first thing I saw was the delivery of about 40 kit bags - quite a nice welcome! I also met a couple of the squad in the reception on the way in, everyone was milling around and finding their feet. It’s the first time that the team gets the chance to meet so there were lots of introductions going on all over the place. Not all the team knows each other and, with all the nationalities involved, it takes a while for everyone to get to know how the other boys are and what they are about. The first person I met was Micky Steele Bodger. He said, “Hello, do I know you!? Of course I do! See you later old boy!” Byron Keller then came over and introduced himself, as did Paul Sackey. Really nice, down to earth guys. I suppose that all players are the same whatever their level - warm and sociable. We then all headed into the team meeting – awesome! I was in the room with all the squad, the management team and Micky himself. Micky started the meeting with a brief welcome and history on the Baa-Baas. I was then introduced to the team and handed over my kit and bag (all numbered 23) which was pretty special for me. It was then time for Micky and the Committee to hand out the famous Baa-Baa ties. From shaking hands with the president to mingling with all the boys, this was an amazing welcome and I felt immediately accepted by everyone. We then had a President’s reception – again hosted by Micky – where we found out that Xavier Rush was named as captain….he was so pleased! This is his third Barbarians tour and his first as captain! Off to dinner now with the boys… - - - - - - To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Kevin's week with the Barbarians, and for your chance to win other money-can’t-buy rugby prizes, go to www.benumber23.co.uk/priceless. MasterCard is Match Sponsor of the Barbarians international fixtures. The next MasterCard Trophy match takes place on Friday, 4th June at Thomond Park, Limerick. Barbarians v South Africa takes place on 4th December 2010 at Twickenham – www.ticketmaster.co.uk.]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/just_one_of_the_boys.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/just_one_of_the_boys.php Tue, 25 May 2010 23:50:40 +0000
Kevin Wand appears before the Will Greenwood-headed Be Number 23 panel © Getty Images
I am on the eve of travelling to London to live with the legendary Barbarian rugby squad for a week. A whole week of eating with them, staying in the same hotel, training with them, attending press conferences and doing exactly as they are as the number 23 squad member. What a prize, what a week! The itinerary looks fabulous.... I am currently sat in my office looking outside, the temperature is 20 plus degrees and I am trying to do my job - but my thoughts are elsewhere! From the moment I turned the number 23 shirt around, I’ve been on one big high waiting for this week to arrive. Anyone who is a rugby fan will appreciate this really is the jackpot of rugby prizes - a prize no money can buy. I am a little unsure of what to expect, but I know I will be making some new rugby friends. I will be in the company of some of the World’s best players including Paul Sackey, Xavier Rush and George Smith. I will soon be having a beer with All Blacks and British Lions - how surreal - and meeting the legendary Mickey Steele-Bodger, a name synonymous with the Barbarians. I have been involved in rugby for a long time, from a minis player going through the ranks and captaining Spalding Rugby Club in the 90’s. My competitive rugby is now over. I try to keep going as a vets player though - it’s hard to let go of the playing side! I’m now involved with the committee and coaching the Under-9s, but next week will be the absolute highlight of my rugby career. In a very short while I will be in the same room as the whole Barbarian squad, getting my kit, having photographs taken and getting all the admin out of the way. I cannot wait for this. I am the envy of my friends. The Baa-baas are such a magical side. I can’t wait to see what goes on behind the scenes... - - - - - - To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Kevin's week with the Barbarians, and for your chance to win other money-can’t-buy rugby prizes, go to www.benumber23.co.uk/priceless. MasterCard is Match Sponsor of the Barbarians international fixtures. The next MasterCard Trophy match takes place on Friday, 4th June at Thomond Park, Limerick. Barbarians v South Africa takes place on 4th December 2010 at Twickenham – www.ticketmaster.co.uk.]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/priceless_week_ahead.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/priceless_week_ahead.php Mon, 24 May 2010 12:37:51 +0000
Kevin Wand is presented with the Barbarians No.23 jersey © Getty Images
Thanks to MasterCard, Rugby fan Kevin Wand, a 42-year-old father of two from Lincolnshire, was chosen to spend a week with the Baa-baas as they prepare to take on England at Twickenham on the 30th May. Kevin will spend the entire week in the lead up to the game living, eating and training with the all-star squad as the 23rd member of the Barbarians squad. And we’ll have his exclusive blog here!..... Becoming Number 23.... When I first got notification that I had made the final 16 for Mastercard’s Be number 23 competition, I thought it was a joke and that somehow my mates were winding me up. I was invited to go to HQ for a tour of the stadium with the legend that is Will Greenwood, followed by lunch with him and the other finalists. We all got a Baa-baas rugby shirt by Will - a fantastic prize with the added bonus of the chance to win a week living with the Baa Baas as number 23. Priceless! All the finalists met on the morning of Tuesday 4th May for coffee at HQ. We were handed a short quiz on the Baa-baas and had to answer three questions that a panel would interview us on later in the day - what we loved about rugby, why we would make the best No.23, and what qualities we associated with the Baa-Baas. After about an hour Will arrived took us on an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Twickenham. The tour was superb. It’s amazing to see the areas of the ground you would never normally get the chance to go in, the changing rooms, the gym, the players dining area etc. Walking around with Will Greenwood whilst the England Sevens boys were training what a real treat and Will’s stories from his playing days were an insight! After the tour we retired for lunch and were told that in half an hour we would be interviewed by the Be Number 23 panel - one by one - to decide who would be Number 23. Nerves and excitement took over here!! The panel of six was lead by Will, with Paul Morgan (Editor of Rugby World) and representatives from MasterCard and the Barbarians also sitting in. I knew to stand a chance of being number 23 I had to deliver a good interview. My name was called out after a few other finalists had been interviewed - here was my chance. I walked into the room - very nervous now. The panel was very relaxed, though, putting me at ease instantly. I can’t day I had a feeling I would win, but I felt it went well and that I’d done my best.... When we all had been interviewed the panel came in and announced it was the time to go down to the Away changing room to see who would become Number 23. We all walked down full of excitement, knowing that in five minutes any one of us could be the winner. I walked to my peg in the changing room and stood next to my Baa-baas shirt. Will started to build up to the moment. We were told to turn round our shirts to see who was number 23. I paused and turned my shirt round…very slowly. With absolute amazement I saw number 23 on the back! I really could not believe it - I was number 23. I had won! I shook everyone’s hand, but can’t really remember the next five minutes as I was too full emotion. The whole day was fantastic, beyond what I thought it was going to be. I am elated just to be selected and Will Greenwood has been an absolutely top guy. I still can’t believe I’ve been chosen as the winner! I’ve been involved in rugby my whole life and this really is a dream come true. The Baa-baas are an absolute institution and have a magical ethos. It’s an unbelievable prize. - - - - - - To get all the behind-the-scenes action and news from Kevin's week with the Barbarians, and for your chance to win other money-can’t-buy rugby prizes, go to www.benumber23.co.uk/priceless. MasterCard is Match Sponsor of the Barbarians international fixtures. The next MasterCard Trophy match takes place on Friday, 4th June at Thomond Park, Limerick. Barbarians v South Africa takes place on 4th December 2010 at Twickenham – www.ticketmaster.co.uk.]]> http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/becoming_number_23.php http://blogs.scrum.com/number23/archives/2010/05/becoming_number_23.php Mon, 24 May 2010 12:20:18 +0000