Macclesfield man meets England rugby squad ahead of World Cup
By James Reid, Sportsbeat
A RUGBY super fan from Macclesfield enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rub shoulders with the entire World Cup-bound England squad.
Calum Hogan-Clarke, 31, was selected as one of more than 30 fans who battled it out to be crowned 'The Unstoppable Fan' at The O2 as part of its Wear the Rose Live event.
The England squad heading to France were in attendance as fans were first tested about their knowledge of the game before competing in a passing challenge with the players.
Hogan-Clarke had never been into sport before attending the 2011 Rugby World Cup in England, but has been hooked ever since and revelled in the chance to meet his sporting heroes.
"I am obsessed, I cannot wait for the World Cup," he said.
"Every year I get a bit more obsessed, so I am very excited. My mate took me to the World Cup in 2011 as a thank you for looking after his mum and then I got into rugby.
"Ever since then I have never missed a minute of England, it has really lifted me in dark times. It is something to look forward to, here I am 12 years later.
"I was never into sport before rugby, so since it has come into my life the whole culture of rugby, the friendliness, the camaraderie, the respect on and off the field, it is a real big family to be a part of and it is such a lift."
Fans were able to pose pictures and get shirts signed by the England players, and Ben Youngs revealed the players thoroughly enjoyed meeting some of their most hardcore supporters.
The scrum-half said: "It's a brilliant initiative from O2 and we've all loved taking part. It's been inspiring to see such amazing support behind the team just before we leave for France.
"Congratulations to all who were involved, your support means the world to me and all the team."
Maro Itoje revealed the squad enjoyed the day just as much as the players, adding: "O2's Wear the Rose Live event is a fantastic and hugely inspirational initiative ahead of travelling to France next month that brings together the players and fans like never before.
"Seeing so many passionate England Rugby supporters competing alongside us players to become the 'Unstoppable Fan' just shows the support and dedication for the squad and how much the sport, and what we do out on the pitch, means to people."
And No.10 Marcus Smith said: "To be part of O2's Wear the Rose Live event and helping to find England Rugby's 'Unstoppable Fan' has been such a great experience for the team and I.
"Meeting and competing with 33 of the most passionate fans in a variety of fun-filled challenges has been brilliant - it's been great to see them put their knowledge to the test, showcase their love of the game and really reveal just how much they know!
"Everyone here today should feel really proud, and when next month's tournament gets underway, we hope the fans will be cheering us on and watching how we progress."
Fans were selected due to their dedication to the England team, with each writing in with their reasons as to why they should make the final squad.
And Gareth Griffiths, Director of Partnerships and Sponsorships, Virgin Media O2, was delighted to be able to give back to some of the country's most hardcore fans with such an exclusive experience.
He said: "To be able to give our customers such a fun and intimate experience with the England squad as they compete together to unveil the 'Unstoppable Fan' ahead of next month's tournament has been great.
"Not only does it allow us to demonstrate our unwavering support to the team, but also shows the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities available to Virgin Media and O2 customers via Priority.
"Congratulations to everyone that took part today and to our Unstoppable Fan who will get to enjoy attending every England game at Twickenham until 2025 courtesy of O2.
"We can't wait to Wear the Rose and get behind the team as they take on the World's best in France next month."
O2 gave customers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be crowned 'The Unstoppable Fan' ahead of the England Rugby team travelling to France next month. Fans competed for the coveted title at an exclusive and intimate live event at The O2 with the entire England Rugby Squad in attendance. Follow #WearLaRose to find out more and get involved.
By James Reid, Sportsbeat
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