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MasterCard gives Dunedin college 1st XV teams priceless experience with Christian Cullen and David Campese

Auckland, 1 October 2011 - Dunedin's up-and-coming Rugby talent will be hosted by Rugby legends and RWC 2011 MasterCard Ambassadors David Campese and Christian Cullen at exclusive coaching clinics, following a priceless invitation to the Irish and Italian Captain's Runs at Otago Stadium.

1st XV players from Kavanagh College and John McGlashan College in Dunedin will be welcomed today by former Australian Rugby great David Campese and former New Zealand fullback Christian Cullen at Otago Stadium for a VIP tour of the facility and a chance to see the Irish and Italian teams prepare for their Pool C match on Sunday 2 October.

The schools will be granted exclusive access to the Captain's Runs. The students will then enjoy a coaching clinic with the RWC 2011 MasterCard Ambassadors at Logan Park in Dunedin, gaining tips and insights into the preparations for a Rugby World Cup match.

Both experiences, part of MasterCard's Worldwide Partnership with RWC 2011, are intended to provide the teams with unforgettable Rugby memories.

MasterCard's Vice President of Regional Marketing, Stuart Cameron said that these are just a couple of the ways MasterCard is connecting New Zealand's future Rugby stars with their sporting heroes.

"Throughout RWC 2011, MasterCard has been bringing fans and Rugby enthusiasts closer to the game they love through a range of priceless experiences.

"With exclusive access to the Captain's Runs and the knowledge and experience of world greats David Campese and Christian Cullen, New Zealand's next crop of Rugby hopefuls stand in good stead."

MasterCard Rugby Ambassador Christian Cullen says that he is looking forward to putting players through their paces. "I'm excited to see the young talent New Zealand is producing. As a MasterCard Rugby Ambassador, I'm privileged to work alongside people like David Campese to bring a unique experience to kids who simply love the Game."

About MasterCard

MasterCard (NYSE: MA) is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Learn more at www.mastercard.com, follow us on Twitter @mastercardnews or join the conversation on The Heart of Commerce Blog.

MasterCard & Rugby World Cup 2011MasterCard Worldwide is an Official Worldwide Partner and the official payment system of Rugby World Cup 2011. The company leverages the platform to further deliver shareholder value by creating exclusive business-building opportunities for its customer financial institutions, while building MasterCard brand affinity by offering priceless experiences to MasterCard cardholders. As part of its agreement, MasterCard secures a comprehensive rights and benefits package that allows the company to deliver value to customer financial institutions, merchants and cardholders, including the ability to access "Priceless" experiences linked to Rugby World Cup 2011.

Rugby World Cup is the crown jewel of the sport and a prominent global property-with television coverage of Rugby World Cup 2007 spanning more than 200 territories, reaching a cumulative audience of 4.3 billion viewers. Rugby World Cup is being held in New Zealand for the first time since the inaugural event in 1987. Teams representing 20 nations will compete in 48 matches across eleven host cities during September and October. The Final is scheduled for Auckland's historic Eden Park on October 23, 2011.

Beyond its expertise in world-class sponsorship marketing, MasterCard also has a rich heritage of supporting the sport of Rugby in New Zealand. MasterCard has been a sponsor of the All Blacks for more than seven years. MasterCard is also match sponsor to the Barbarian Internationals for 2009-2010.