The Nugget: Ben Skeen

Not many people love footy as much as Ben Skeen - international TMO and assistant coach of the Auckland Grammar First XV, where he is also the Associate Headmaster. No surprise really, given his grandfather Jack was a long time Auckland Rugby stalwart and one-time All Black. Mind you, Ben reckons he drew the family short straw in the skills department, with his playing career “peaking at the age of 13.”

So, at 16 years old and with the ref a no-show, he put his hand up for the job. He loved it. Especially the allowing-a-contest-to-run-smoothly, interacting-with-people and communicating bits.

Little wonder he ended up teaching - spending the last 13 years at Auckland Grammar School, which this year celebrates 150 years.

Ben’s teaching highlight remains the biennial trip he organises, taking a bunch of students to India. It’s life changing for them as they gain a real sense of life’s big questions and going beyond themselves.

This same drive in Ben saw him quickly rise through the reffing ranks to his current “other job” as an international TMO.

What fun being able to sit back and enjoy the best teams all around the world. Yeah right! After 54 tests he’s yet to find any of them relaxing - acutely conscious that he can potentially hold a player’s career in his hands.

Indeed a heart monitor placed on him during one game saw it rocket to 160bpm. And that was just from rushing back to his seat, after getting some hot chips, in time for kick off.

With jobs that require exacting standards, it’s no wonder Ben loves our well-tailored gear, including this merino wool suit (Grey Ghost, $700 with two pairs of trou), navy & polka dot silk tie ($60 & part of our 3 for $150 accessories deal), 100% cotton white shirt (The Istanbul $120), & brogue Chelsea boots (The Jagger $230).

Outside of work Ben loves hanging out with his wife and two girls. The feeling is mostly mutual, except for when he’s watching footy at home, which these days he does alone. Apparently watching games with someone analysing each play by play to the letter of the law isn’t everyone’s idea of fun.

Yep, no doubt about it, Ben’s sport mad. He’s also been a good sport for answering a few of our questions. For a bit of extra-time reading here they are.