In the next few weeks the Baa-Baas have matches scheduled in Australia, before returning to Twickenham to play World Champions New Zealand for the Killik Cup on November 4. They then travel to Munster where, on Friday November 10, Tonga will become the famous club’s 21st international opposition. Paysafe had already featured on the Barbarians’ match shirts in the fixtures against an England XV in May and Ulster in June 2017.

Following the thrilling Lions series draw this summer, British and Irish rugby fans are hungry to see a star-studded Barbarians side celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the double World Champions and current number one side in the world. The Baa-Baas have a proud history of dazzling, expansive rugby, including ‘That Try’ against the All Blacks in 1973, widely regarded as the best phase of rugby ever played and the benchmark all Barbarians teams aspire to.

The Barbarians' Rory Lawson with the Help For Heroes RAF Bear and Navy Bear

As part of this partnership, Paysafe are also celebrating their relationship with Help for Heroes under the banner of “Paysafe Payback”.  Already enjoying close affiliations with rugby, leading charity Help for Heroes empowers Service Personnel and Military Veterans with life-changing injuries and illnesses to reach their full potential. The Armed Forces are highly trained, selfless, courageous and focused people, and Help for Heroes believes that those prepared to put their lives second deserve a second chance at life.

In the build-up to the fixture with New Zealand, Paysafe will be using their access to the Barbarians squad to provide some memorable experiences for veterans and their families supported by Help for Heroes.  Firstly, they will be holding a joint Barbarians and Help for Heroes training session. This would bring together veterans and the Barbarians squad in a Sports Recovery event, a once in a lifetime experience. In addition to this, Paysafe is creating a “Payback Matchday Experience” at the forthcoming Twickenham fixture, providing tickets and pre-game hospitality for the families of injured servicemen and women.  In addition, Paysafe is hosting members of the England Women’s Rugby side that reached the final of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 in August as guests at the “Payback Matchday Experience.”

Oscar Nieboer, CMO, Paysafe Group, said: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with the world-famous Barbarians and Help for Heroes. This gives us an opportunity to show our dedication and gratitude to injured servicemen and women, our employees and our customers.  In keeping with our company-wide ethos, we champion and support the overlooked in society and our involvement in this initiative reflects that.  There is a strong and emotive bond between rugby and the Armed Forces. Loyalty, bravery and sacrifice are core principles for both, they resonate strongly with rugby fans.”

John Spencer, Barbarian FC Chairman, said: “We are looking forward to working with Paysafe as the Barbarians continue to go from strength to strength on and off the pitch. The Barbarians are a unique rugby club known the world over for their commitment to excellence and adventure. We celebrate attacking play, the love of the game and the bonds of friendship that it forges.  These values are as relevant today as they were when the club was founded in 1890 and we’re delighted to be working with Paysafe and the Help for Heroes initiatives to support injured servicemen and women."

Simon Halliday, Help for Heroes Patron, said: “I have very fond memories of representing the Barbarians in the 1980s and am thrilled that Paysafe, which supports Help for Heroes, has aligned themselves with the team. The support shown to Help for Heroes by Paysafe through this partnership provides a real boost to the servicemen and women currently undergoing the recovery process. Paysafe is providing incredible experiences to motivate those in rehabilitation, creating memories for them that will last a lifetime. Help for Heroes’ ties with the sport of rugby have always run deep and the whole sport should be proud of the way it continues to support our heroes.”