MasterCard will title sponsor the Barbarian rugby international matches for the 2009-2010 season. The sponsorship will kick off on December 5 when the Barbarians take on New Zealand at Twickenham in what will be known as the MasterCard Trophy.

“Sponsorships are a critical component of MasterCard’s global marketing approach. We’re involved in sponsorship areas that really matter to consumers, including entertainment and sport, and we’re proud to build further heritage in rugby by adding The MasterCard Trophy to our existing Rugby World Cup 2011 sponsorship,” said Ben Rhodes, MasterCard’s vice president of marketing.

Micky Steele Bodger, president of the Barbarians, added: “We are delighted that MasterCard will be the match sponsor to the upcoming Barbarian Internationals. The club is proud to be associated with such a prestigious brand, providing us with excellent business building opportunities and joint promotional activity. We look forward to developing the relationship with MasterCard.”

MasterCard will also become official 'Payment System Partner' of the Barbarian International Matches.