The Barbarians have confirmed their 23-player squad, for this weekend’s Killik Cup fixture against Fiji. Head coach Robbie Deans will lead a squad packed full of international talents from five different nations, for the clash against the Flying Fijians at Twickenham Stadium. There are a whopping 968 Test caps across amongst the squad, including seven former England internationals.
The strong contingent from England set to pull on the famous Black and White hooped jerseys on familiar soil at HQ are; Ben Youngs, Danny Care, Zach Mercer, Kyle Sinckler, Jonny May, Jonathan Joseph, David Ribbans and Kieran Brookes.
Crusaders fly-half Fergus Burke makes his first appearance in London since his summer move to Saracens was confirmed, and the 24-year-old will be hoping to pull the strings in a back-line packed with firepower – with the likes of Leicester Fainga’anuku, Virimi Vakatawa, and Chay Fihaki outside him.
New Zealand’s all-time record appearance maker – Sam Whitelock – will make his BaaBaas debut this weekend and captains the side, meanwhile Scott Sio (Australia), Gael Fickou (France) and Shota Horie (Japan) all also add significant international pedigree with each boasting more than a half-century of Test caps to their names.
Deans has also opted to call on several familiar faces from his Japan Rugby League One side Saitama Wild Knights, as Shota Horie, Lachlan Boshier, Jack Cornelsen, Craig Millar and Liam Mitchell all join up with the Barbarians. France lock Cameron Woki, Bristol hooker Harry Thacker, and Highlanders second row Fabian Holland complete the line-up.
“I’m delighted with the group that we’ve gathered together here in London,” said Deans. “It’s a great squad with a lot of experience, as well as a lot of guys who are at the front end of their careers as well.
“They all understand the privilege they have got to wear this jersey, so we have a fantastic week ahead of us.
“The key is for us all to come together and connect. All these guys can play brilliant rugby – they wouldn’t be here if they couldn’t – so we just want to help them bring all their skills come Saturday for the benefit of the Barbarians, and so they enjoy the experience as well.”
BARBARIAN F.C. SQUAD VS FIJI
FORWARDS
Lachlan Boshier – Saitama Wild Knights
Kieren Brookes – RC Toulon, England (16 caps)
Jack Cornelsen – Saitama Wild Knights, Japan (21 caps)
Fabian Holland – Highlanders
Shota Horie – Saitama Wild Knights, Japan (76 caps)
Zach Mercer* – Gloucester Rugby, England (2 caps)
Craig Millar* – Saitama Wild Knights, Japan (18 caps)
Liam Mitchell – Saitama Wild Knights
David Ribbans – RC Toulon, England (11 caps)
Kyle Sinckler – Bristol Bears, England, British & Irish Lions (76 caps)
Scott Sio – Exeter Chiefs, Australia (74 caps)
Harry Thacker* – Bristol Bears
Sam Whitelock – Section Paloise, New Zealand (153 caps) – captain
Cameron Woki – Racing 92, France (31 caps)
BACKS
Fergus Burke – Crusaders
Danny Care – Harlequins, England (101 caps)
Leicester Fainga’anuku – RC Toulon, New Zealand (7 caps)
Gael Fickou – Racing 92, France (90 caps)
Chay Fihaki – Crusaders
Jonathan Joseph – Biarritz Olympique, England (54 caps)
Jonny May – Gloucester Rugby, England (77 caps)
Virimi Vakatawa* – Bristol Bears, France (32 caps)
Ben Youngs – Leicester Tigers, England, British & Irish Lions (129 caps)
*denotes players who have previously represented Barbarian F.C.
Over 60,000 people have already secured their seats for the biggest rugby showcase of the summer on Saturday 22 June (kick-off: 5.15pm). Tickets for the clash are on sale now from Ticketmaster, Ticketek or the RFU and also include entry to the Qatar Airways Cup showdown between South Africa and Wales. The two international heavyweights go toe-to-toe at 2.00pm, ahead of Barbarians vs Fiji.
General admission tickets for the 2024 Killik Cup and Qatar Airways Cup matches are on sale now – visit Ticketmaster, Ticketek or RFU to secure your seat. A limited number of £55 (Adult) & £28 (Kids-U16) tickets are now available.
Each ticket will cover entry for both South Africa vs Wales (K.O. 2pm) and Barbarians vs Fiji (K.O. 5.15pm) on Saturday 22 June. For a 10% discount on groups of 10 or more, please visit www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/events.
Hospitality packages are also available now, starting from £179 per person – visit www.twickenhamstadium.com to purchase now.