THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF BARBARIAN FC THE UNITED NATIONS OF RUGBY

Narrow defeat at Wembley

[Published: Friday 05 December 2008]

 Barbarians 11 Australia 18

All that was missing from a great occasion at Wembley Stadium was the correct scoreline. At the end of an encounter of test match intensity the Wallabies lifted the Cornwall Cup thanks to their magnificent defence against a star-studded Barbarians' line-up.

Led by World Cup winning captain John Smit, the Baa-Baas did the rich heritage of the club proud. Whatever the quality of the global names on board – and there was certainly no shortage of them on this night – a mere two days' preparation puts any side at a disadvantage against an established touring squad. Yet despite the difficulties in the lineouts, magnified by the lack of a prop in the support positions after the introduction of non-contested scrums as early as the 50th minute, the Barbarians asked many questions of the finely-tuned Wallabies thoughout the second-half.

The early stages had not gone to plan. Despite several promising attacks that went close, the Baa-Baas had not disturbed the scoreboard after 20 minutes. Instead, they had been punished by a breakaway try scored by Lote Tuqiri and when James O'Connor followed up the easy conversion with a couple of penalty goals the Wallabies were suddenly 13 points ahead.

Fortunately, the half ended promisingly with Percy Montgomery slotting a couple of goals of his own. The turnaround continued in every sense after the interval. With Bryan Habana switching to full-back and Shane Williams joining the party on the wing, even more excitement was promised. It soon arrived. Joe Rokococo and Habana manufactured a brilliant inetrpassing surge along the right flank and as a siege developed on Australia's line first Richie McCaw and then 'Rodzilla' Blake went over under a pile of bodies only for the TMO to rule five-metre scrums.

It was from one such scrum that the course of the game turned again. As one mighty eight-man shove wrecked a defensive put-in, both opposition props Sekope Kepu and Matt Dunning were assisted off with injuries. With the advent of non-contested scrums the way was clear for Barbarians' coach Jake White to send on number 8 Nick Koster to add mobility and a lineout option.

Further adjustments were made with Smit moving to tight-head, Mark Regan joining the fray as hooker and Koster and Collins alternating at loose-head.

With Schalk Burger contributing barnstorming runs all over the pitch the scene was set for a breathtaking final quarter and the script went to plan in the 62^nd minute when Williams, as quick in his thinking as he is fleet of foot, drew in three defenders near the left touchline before flicking an inside pass for Collins to power over.

At 11-13 and still on the attack a repeat of last year's heroics against the Springboks seemed imminent. But chances went astray as first Francois Steyn narrowly failed with with a 30-metre penalty goal and then turnover ball deep in the Wallabies' half was punished as Drew Mitchell counter-attacked and Lachie Turner crossed for the decisive try.

Even in injury-time the Barbarians were still attacking but, as for most of the match, the Australian defence held firm. But the great reputation of the club was also as strong as ever.

Team: Percy Montgomery (Shane Williams); Joe Rokococo, Rico Gear (Ollie Smith), Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana; Francois Steyn, Fourie du Preez (George Gregan); Federico Pucciariello (Rodney Blake, Nick Koster), John Smit, captain.,Census Johnston (Mark Regan), Bakkies Botha, Johann Muller (Chris Jack), Jerry Collins, Schalk Burger, Richie McCaw

Referee: Chris White (England)

Attendance: 43,600

 

 

McCaw To Play At Wembley

[Published: Wednesday 17 September 2008]

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has accepted an invitation to play for the Barbarians in the Olympic Centenary Match against Australia at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 3 December.

Fresh from his triumphant leadership of the All Blacks in the 2008 Tri-Nations, McCaw will be joined by a host of global stars, many of whom will be announced later this week, in a Barbarians squad that will be coached by Jake White.

The invitation to Jake White, who guided South Africa to World Cup glory in 2007, reflects the importance of the event as the latest fixture in a long series of matches between the Barbarians and the Southern Hemisphere's super-powers in what will also be the climax of the Wallabies' six-match autumn tour.

Jake White said, “It is a wonderful privilege for me to be invited by the Barbarians and to be involved in this very special match in particular. I am very aware of the history and traditions of the club and have always endeavoured to push their values into my own coaching.

“Their great match against the All Blacks in 1973 and that try by Gareth Edwards was a true inspiration to us all. Not every coach receives the honour of being invited to coach the Barbarians and I am proud to accept and am looking forward to the whole occasion tremendously.”

Barbarians' president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “As well as these top quality players from overseas we also have an agreement with Premier Rugby in England for the release of several players to represent us in this match. Our invitations will not stop there and we are hopeful that top players from elsewhere in the British Isles will also be involved. We will have a truly international side to take on Australia.”

Last December the Barbarians beat South Africa 22-5 at Twickenham. This year's game celebrates the one-hundredth anniversary of the Olympic Games first being held in London in 1908. On that occasion, Australia won the gold medal in the rugby union competition when they defeated Great Britain 32-3 in the final at White City Stadium.

Now the new look Wembley is set to stage its first rugby union match. To add to a glittering event, at half-time there will be an Olympian parade featuring Great Britain's medal-winning stars from the Beijing Games.

Tickets for the Barbarians v Australia Olympic Centenary Match are now on general sale and can be purchased by calling the 24-hour Ticketmaster hotline on 0844 847 2500 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Ticket prices are as follows: £60, £45 and £30. Concessions are also available for over-60 and under-16 at £30, £22.50 and £15. Booking fees apply.

 

-

 

 

 

Squad Announced For Blackheath

[Published: Tuesday 10 March 2009]

 The Barbarians have assembled a squad from seven different countries for the match at the Rectory Field on Wednesday 18 March (kick-off 8.00pm) that celebrates the 150^th anniversary season of the Blackheath club.

They include the first Namibian to play for the Barbarians, lock Heino Senekal, who has represented his country in three Rugby World Cup tournaments. Among others making their Baa-Baas' debuts will be Wales' international full-back Kevin Morgan and scrum-half Nick Walshe who won two England caps in 2006 while former Scotland and Lions' hooker Gordon Bulloch returns for his second game with the club.

Two of the squad will be emulating their fathers by becoming Barbarians. Ollie Dodge, son of Paul, who played nine times in the 1980s, is named among the backs while James Cannon follows in the footsteps of Vince, a stalwart Northampton lock who played many times against the Baa-Baas in the annual Mobbs Memorial Match as well as for them on four occasions.

Barbarians' president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “Next week's match will be a great occasion for both of our clubs. They have had close connections ever since eight Blackheath men were in the first-ever side fielded by the Barbarians in 1890. One of them, Percy Carpmael, went on to become the first president. In later years Brigadier H L Glyn Hughes was president of both clubs.

“It is fitting that having played Blackheath in the 75^th and centenary seasons we are now returning to the Rectory Field in this, their historic 150^th year.”

The Barbarians will be coached by Bedford Blues' director of rugby Mike Rayer, whose four appearances for the club included the high profile match against Australia at Twickenham in 1992.

He said, “The Barbarians continue to have a special place in our rugby world. Playing for them was always a great honour and I had no hesitation in accepting the invitation to coach them on this occasion. I am looking forward to working with what appears to be a very well balanced squad of experienced and up and coming players.”

Squad: Kevin Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons & Wales); Donavan van Vuuren (Doncaster Knights), Seb Jewell (Harlequins & Esher), David Bishop (Ospreys), James Shanahan (Cambridge RFC), Simon Hunt (Birmingham-Solihull), Ollie Dodge (Bedford Blues); Richard McCarter (Dungannon), Nick Walshe (Bedford Blues & England)), Owen Ruttley (Cardiff); Nigel Hall (Newport Gwent Dragons), Patrick Palmer (Pontypridd), Jon Dawson (Cambridge University), Gordon Bulloch (West of Scotland & Scotland), Chris Ritchie (Rosslyn Park), James Cannon (Northampton Saints & Bedford Blues), Heino Senekal (Cornish Pirates & Namibia), Henry Head (Richmond), John Dalziel (Melrose), Paul Volley (London Scottish), James Lumby (Barnes), Mark Lee (Army)

Blackheath v Barbarians

Rectory Field, Blackheath

Wednesday 18 March 2009 (8.00pm)

Tickets available from Blackheath FC

Tel: 020 8293 0853

 

 

 

Tickets Available For Blackheath Match

[Published: Tuesday 03 March 2009]

Tickets for the Barbarians' match against Blackheath on 18 March are now on sale and available from the Blackheath club.

Prices are:

£10.00 in advance;   £12.00 on the gate;  £10.00 per ticket in blocks of 10

Postal applications should be addressed to: Nick Warren, Blackheath Rugby, The Rectory Field, Charlton Rd., Blackheath, SE3 8SR. Please make cheques payable to Blackheath Rugby Ltd. The telephone number for contacting the club is 020 8293 0853

The Barbarians' squad will be announced in the week beginning 9 March. Among the early acceptances are Wales full-back Kevin Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), England scrum-half Nick Walshe (Bedford Blues), Scotland's Lions hooker Gordon Bulloch and Cornish Pirates' lock Heino Senekal who has represented Namibia in the last three Rugby World Cup tournaments.

TEST ITEM

[Published: Tuesday 10 February 2009]

This is a test news article added Tuesday 10th February

Scarlets 40 Barbarians 24

[Published: Sunday 01 February 2009]

 Scarlets 40 Barbarians 24

Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli Saturday 31 January 2009

The official opening of the new home of the Scarlets was celebrated in perfect fashion as the near capacity crowd were treated to ten tries and a feast of attacking rugby from both sides.

If the hosts were out of the blocks quickest with three tries that fully punished the understandable teething problems in the Barbarians' defensive organisation in the first 20 minutes, then it is equally true that the Baa-Baas finished the stronger with three tries of their own inside eight minutes during the final quarter.

The 80 minutes of rugby fitted in comfortably to the extended weekend of celebrations that had begun with an impressive gala dinner on the Friday evening and continued pre-match with a parade that featured all 73 of the Scarlets' regional feeder clubs. By the time that First Minister Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan was presented to both teams the scene and atmosphere were set for a game of positive rugby that epitomised everything that both clubs represented.

The Scarlets opening try arrived within three minutes as wing Matthew Jacobs won the race for Gavin Evans' clever kick ahead and Ceiron Thomas converted from the touchline. The Baa-Baas almost equalised immediately as Tom Voyce gathered a wayward clearance kick on halfway and immediately slipped a pass to Ben Blair moving at top speed but deep inside the home 22 the final pass to Federico Pucciariello went astray. The tone and tempo of the game had been quickly established with both sides seeking to run with the ball at every opportunity.

Some delighful passing in midfield set up the second try as Jon Davies glided through for a touchdown at the posts, and five minutes later the Scarlets struck again as Morgan Stoddart cruelly exposed the defensive deficiencies with a brilliant individual try. With Thomas easily adding the extras to both tries the Baa-Baas were 21 points adrift in as many minutes.

The pace of the game was now breathless and the Baa-Baas were learning to build up their own attacks through a succession of phases. They were rewarded in the 38^th minute when Ma'ma Molitika, an outstanding ball-carrier, again sucked in the defence under the Scarlets' posts and quick release and combination between Marius Goosen and Jamie Robinson in the centre created the overlap for Brian Carney to score near the right corner.

Unfortunately, the Baa-Baas again lost concentration either side of half time, with Stoddart claiming his second try to stretch the interval lead to 26-5 and then scrum-half Martin Roberts darted over after more good work by Davies and replacement prop Phil John. Yet the Baa-Baas were now enjoying the majority of possession and they could have been forgiven if heads had gone down in the 59^th minute when they spilled the ball near the home line and Evans finished off a length of the field counter-attack with another seven-pointer.

But they were made of sterner stuff. A scoreboard that showed 40-5 was a harsh reflection on the ebb and flow of the game and now all the remaining scores came from the Baa-Baas.

The outstanding Blair danced and jigged his way past several defenders for a try that he converted himself, then Jeremy Staunton accepted the scoring pass after Tomas de Vedia picked up a turnover ball near the right touchline, and finally the Argentinian himself scored from another turnover. Blair converted from the edge of touch and with 10 minutes still to play there was some hope that the Baa-Baas might even improve on the now more respectable 40-24 scoreline.

If that didn't quite materialise, then what certainly had happened was a game of rugby that was worthy of the Carwyn James Memorial Trophy which home skipper Simon Easterby received on behalf of his team at the final whistle.

Barbarians: *B A Blair (Cardiff Blues & NZ); *B B Carney (Munster Rugby & Ireland), J P Robinson (Cardiff Blues & Wales), *M Goosen (Benetton Treviso), *T M D Voyce (London Wasps & England); *G Ross (Saracens & Scotland), *M Petri (New York AC & USA); F Pucciariello (Munster Rugby & Italy), A D Oliver, capt (Oxford University & NZ), *J J R Dawson (Cambridge University), *D L Jones (Cardiff Blues & Wales), D J Vickerman (Cambridge University & Australia), A R Persico (Calvisano & Italy), M K Molitika (Cardiff Blues & Tonga),*S Tandy (Ospreys)

Replacements: M P Regan (Bristol Rugby & England) – Oliver (49); B R Evans (Calvisano & Wales) – Dawson (49); D G Quinnell (Viadana) – Vickerman (60); C L Charvis (Newport Gwent Drgons & Wales) – Tandy (49); M D Robinson (London Wasps & NZ) – Petri (h/t); *J W Staunton (London Wasps & Ireland) – J P Robinson (h/t); *T de Vedia (London Irish & Argentina) – Carney (60)

[* -denotes new Barbarian]

Scorers: Tries – Carney, Blair, Staunton, de Vedia; Cons – Blair (2)

Scarlets: M Stoddart; D Daniel, J Davies,G Evans, M Jacob; C Thomas, M Roberts; I D Thomas, J E Schwalger, D T Manu, L Reed, D Day, J Turnbull, D J Lyons, S H Easterby (capt)

Replacements: K Owens (Schwalger 47); P John (Manu 47); V L Cooper (Reed 63); R McCusker (Easterby 63); G Cattle (Roberts 60); D Evans (G Evans 63); S Martens (C Thomas 72)

Scorers: Tries - Jacob, Davies, Stoddart (2), Roberts, G Evans; Cons – C Thomas (5)

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)

Attendance: 14, 479

 

Squad For Scarlets Celebration Match Announced

[Published: Tuesday 27 January 2009]

 

Players from ten different nations are included in the Barbarians' squad to play the Scarlets in the match that marks the official opening of Parc y Scarlets this Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).

They include All Blacks Anton Oliver, Ben Blair and Mark Robinson plus Australian Rugby World Cup finalist Dan Vickerman. Among eleven new Barbarians are USA Eagle Mike Petri, Argentina's Tomas de Vedia, England Saxons' centre Kevin Sorrell and Cambridge University captain Jon Dawson who has played for England XV against the Baa-Baas.

Seven of the squad – Colin Charvis, Ma'ama Molitika, Oliver, Aaron Persico, Federico Pucciariello, Mark Regan and Robinson - have played for the Barbarians on their international summer tours in recent years while Vickerman appeared against the All Blacks in Twickenham in 2004.

The Barbarians' team will be coached by ex-Ireland supremo, Eddie O'Sullivan, who reprises his role with the Baa-Baas' team that defeated South Africa 14 months ago.

He said, “I thoroughly enjoyed my previous experience with the Barbarians at Twickenham last season and to be invited back again is a real honour which I am looking forward to tremendously.”

The squad will assemble in Llanelli on Friday lunchtime ahead of what promises to be another landmark occasion in both clubs' history.

Before Saturday's game, the Barbarians' players will be presented with their match jerseys by Phil Bennett. The former Llanelli captain made 20 appearances for the Baa-Baas between 1970 and 1980, including the famous match against the All Blacks in 1973.

Barbarians' president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “One of the traditions of our club is that we invite former Baa-Baas to present the jerseys to the modern generation and on this occasion there could be no finer individual than Phil to do this. He played all his rugby in the true spirit of the Barbarians and, indeed, Llanelli and continues to be a marvellous ambassador for the game at large.”

The Barbarians have played the Llanelli club side on two previous occasions. In 1965, in a match to mark the opening of the new dressing rooms and dining hall at Stradey Park, the Barbarians won 28-15. Seven years later the sides met again in Llanelli's centenary season and the Scarlets won 33-17.

Barbarians' squad:

Backs - *Ben Blair (Cardiff Blues & NZ), *Tomas de Vedia (London Irish & Argentina), *Brian Carney (Munster & Ireland), *Tom Voyce (London Wasps & England), Jamie Robinson (Cardiff Blues & Wales), *Kevin Sorrell (Saracens), *Jeremy Staunton (London Wasps & Ireland), *Gordon Ross (Saracens & Scotland), Mark Robinson (London Wasps & NZ), *Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club & USA)

Forwards - Anton Oliver (Oxford University & NZ), Mark Regan (Bristol Rugby & England), Federico Pucciariello (Munster & Italy), *Jon Dawson (Cambridge University), Ben Evans (Calvisano & Wales), *Deiniol Jones (Cardiff Blues & Wales), Daniel Vickerman (Cambridge University & Australia), Gavin Quinnell (Viadana), Aaron Persico (Calvisano & Italy), Ma'ama Molitika (Cardiff Blues & Tonga), *Steve Tandy (Ospreys), Colin Charvis (Newport Gwent Dragons & Wales)

[* - denotes new Barbarian]

*Tickets for the match, with several special offers available, can be booked via the Scarlets' Ticket Hotline on 0871 871 8088

Young in charge of summer tour

[Published: Monday 19 January 2009]

 David Young has accepted a second invitation to coach the Barbarians on a summer tour.

The Cardiff Blues' director of rugby, whose side are currently top seeds for the quarter-finals of this season's Heineken Cup after their against-the-odds victory at Gloucester yesterday, will be in charge of coaching when the Barbarians play England and Australia in the summer.

Last May Young was the Baa-Baas' coach when they played Belgium, Ireland and England, and he is looking forward to being at the helm again in five months' time.

He said, “I thoroughly enjoyed last summer's tour and I feel honoured to be invited a second time to lead the coaching in what promises to be a real challenge for the club. To play England at Twickenham and then fly to Sydney to take on the full Wallabies' side is a unique itinerary even for the Barbarians but I welcome the opportunity to again work at international level.”

As a British & Irish Lion, Young toured Australia in 1989 and 2001 as well as South Africa in 1997 and became the first player to represent the British Isles in three different decades.

Barbarians' committeeman Mike Burton said, “Our invitation to David to return so quickly and coach our squad on such a high profile tour says everything about the high regard in which we and many others hold him. He impressed us hugely last summer and after his great work with Cardiff Blues is increasingly in demand but we are delighted that he is able to accept the invitation to come with us again.”

The Barbarians are finalising details for an opening tour fixture on Tuesday 26 May before proceeding to London to play England on 30 May and then Australia at Sydney Football Stadium on 6 June.

O'Sullivan Takes Over As Coach

[Published: Thursday 15 January 2009]

Former Ireland and Lions' coach Eddie O'Sullivan takes charge of a squad from several nations when the Barbarians play the Scarlets on 31 January.

The celebration game marks the official opening of the Parc y Scarlets stadium in Llanelli and the Barbarians are assembling a talented squad to do justice to the occasion.

O'Sullivan, who replaces Kingsley Jones because the Sale Sharks' coach was unavailable after a rearrangement of fixtures in the Guinness Premiership, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the Barbarians when we beat the Springboks last season and to be invited back again is a real honour.”

Among a host of overseas test players in the Barbarians' squad are New Zealand's Anton Oliver and Ben Blair and Wallaby World Cup representative Dan Vickerman.

Barbarian committeeman Mike Burton said, “As well as honouring several new Barbarians, we will also include players who have served us well in the past.”

Corry in Squad for Summer Tour

[Published: Monday 30 March 2009]

Leicester Tigers and England forward Martin Corry will wear Barbarian colours again when the club play England at Twickenham on Saturday 30 May.

The former England captain and double-Lion toured South America with the Baa-Baas in 1998 and has accepted an invitation to play again on the 2009 tour that features a ground-breaking game against Australia in Sydney on 6 June as well as the annual date with England.

He said, “The Barbarians' tour to Argentina and Uruguay was a fantastic experience and this year's trip promises to be equally memorable. I've played for England against the Baa-Baas so I know what a great occasion these games at Twickenham can be.

“I feel privileged to be involved again because the Barbarians' tradition and approach remains unique. I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect on putting on that black-and-white jersey again and running out at a ground that means so much to me.”

The Barbarians will assemble a 23-man squad for the two games on tour including three members of the team that beat South Africa at Twickenham in 2007 - Rocky Elsom (Leinster & Australia) and the All Blacks Jerry Collins (Toulon) and Justin Marshall (Saracens).

French back-rower Serge Betsen (London Wasps) has also accepted an invitation to play.

David Young, who has guided Cardiff Blues to the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup and the final of the EDF Energy Cup this season, reprises his role of last summer as Barbarians' coach. Mike Catt of London Irish will be assistant coach on this year's tour.

 

Tickets for the England v Barbarians match on Saturday 30 May (kick-off 4.15pm) are priced from £10 for Juniors (Under 16) and £25 for adults and are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 8472492

 

Tickets for Scarlets Match are on sale

[Published: Thursday 18 December 2008]

Tickets for the Barbarians match against Scarlets at the newly-opened Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on 31 January 2009 are now on sale. The eagerly anticipated fixture, which has a 2.30pm kick-off, will officially open the state of the art stadium for the Welsh region.

The Barbarians team will include All Black hooker Anton Oliver and another World Cup star, Australian lock Daniel Vickerman. Both have represented the Baa-Baas before - Oliver on three occasions on the 2004 summer tour of England, Scotland and Wales and Vickerman against the All Blacks at Twickenham later the same year.

Oliver and Vickerman played in the recent Varsity match and they will be joined against the Scarlets by Cambridge University captain and England XV hooker, Jon Dawson.

More names from several countries will be announced shortly.

Tickets for the game can be booked online at www.scarlets.co.uk or on the hotline 0871 871 8088

Squad Announced for Mobbs Match

[Published: Wednesday 01 April 2009]

Glasgow and Scotland centre Andy Henderson is one of 14 new Barbarians included in the squad for the 82^nd Mobbs Memorial Match against Bedford Blues on 7 April (kick-off 7.30pm).

Fellow Scottish cap Iain Fullarton will pack down in the second row with young prospect Richie Gray while Sale Sharks and England prop Stuart Turner will also make his Baa-Baas' debut.

Barbarians' president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “The annual Mobbs Memorial Match is an opportunity to bring together experienced players with up and coming youngsters from the clubs and national squads. With that in mind we have invited the likes of Rory Clegg from the England under-20 team as well as Richie Gray from Scotland while another Scotland under-20 product, Ross Samson, is invited back having done well for us last season.

“At the same time there are fine club servants like David Jackson, Nicholas Royle and Henno Venter who will become new Barbarians.We are also very pleased that players such as Craig Hammond and Luke Sherriff who have played for us several times in recent seasons are again available. Our close ties with Cornish rugby are also recognised by our invitation to Redruth's Darren Jacques.”

The Mobbs Memorial Match was first played against East Midlands in 1921 and in 2008 the Bedford Blues became the opposition to the Barbarians.

For this year's match the Barbarians will be coached by Nottingham's director of rugby, Glenn Delaney who played for the Baa-Baas against London Irish in 2003 and Leicester Tigers the following season. He said, “It's a huge honour to have been asked to coach such a wonderful side and I have no doubt it will be one of the highlights of my coaching career.”

Barbarians squad:

Backs – Martyn Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), Nicholas Royle (Fylde), Hal Luscombe (Worcester Warriors & Wales), Jonny Kennedy (Sale Sharks), Andrew Henderson (Glasgow & Scotland), James Shanahan (Cambridge), David Jackson (Nottingham), Rory Clegg (Newcastle Falcons), Darren Wilson (Preston Grasshoppers), Ross Samson (Tynedale)

Forwards – Darren Jacques (Redruth), David Barnes (Bath), Stuart Turner (Sale Sharks & England), Joe Duffey (Nottingham), Dan Rosen (Oxford University), Richie Gray (Glasgow), Iain Fullarton (London Scottish & Scotland), Henry Head (Richmond), Henno Venter (Coventry), John Dalziel (Melrose), Craig Hammond (Nottingham), Luke Sherriff (Nottingham)

Tickets for the 2009 Mobbs Memorial Match are available from the Bedford Blues ticket office, telephone 0871 871 1886

Smit Leads At Wembley

[Published: Monday 01 December 2008]

Springbok hooker John Smit will captain the Barbarians when they play Australia in the London Olympics Centenary Match at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday

Joining him in a star-studded line-up are All Blacks' skipper Richie McCaw and players from six nations. Such is the strength of the squad that IRB World Player of the Year Shane Williams is named on the replacements' bench alongside world record cap holder, George Gregan.

Announcing the team after a training session in London this morning, coach Jake White said, “There is a particular magic about any Barbarians' match but the squad that has assembled this week is probably the most exciting to have been recruited in recent years. We aim to play it in the traditional Baa-Baas' spirit but we are also taking it very seriously. I was delighted by the commitment that everyone showed at our session today. It augurs well for what should be a memorable occasion.”

Tickets are still available for the match and are on general sale and can be purchased by calling the 24-hour Ticketmaster hotline on 0844 847 2500 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Ticket prices are as follows: £60, £45 and £30. Concessions are also available for over-60s and under-16s at £30, £22.50 and £15. Booking fees apply.

Tickets can also be purchased at the Stadium on the evening of the match.

Team : Percy Montgomery; Joe Rokocoko, Ricco Gear, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana; Francois Steyn, Fourie du Preez; Federico Pucciariello, John Smit (captain), Census Johnston, Bakkies Botha, Johann Muller, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw, Schalk Burger

Replacements: Mark Regan, Rodney Blake, Chris Jack, Nick Koster, George Gregan, Ollie Smith, Shane Williams

More Big Names In Wembley Squad

[Published: Friday 28 November 2008]

The Barbarians assemble in London on Sunday with more big names added to their squad for the end-of-tour extravaganza against Australia at Wembley on 3 December.

The latest additions are Springbok Francois Steyn in place of the injured Francois Trinh-Duc behind the scrum and in the pack Federico Pucciariello and Census Johnston come in for Gurthro Steenkamp and Carl Hayman and Johann Muller replaces Steve Borthwick at lock.

The starting line-up will be announced at midday on Monday 1 December.

Barbarians squad:

Backs - Percy Montgomery (SA), Bryan Habana (SA), Joe Rococoko (NZ), Shane Williams (Wales), Rico Gear (NZ), Jean de Villiers (SA), Ollie Smith (England), Francois Steyn (SA), George Gregan (Australia), Fourie du Preez (SA)

Forwards - John Smit (SA), Mark Regan (England), Census Johnston (Samoa), Federico Pucciariello (Italy), Patrice Collazo (France), Bakkies Botha (SA), Johann Muller (SA), Chris Jack (NZ), Nick Koster (Western Province), Schalk Burger (SA), Jerry Collins (NZ), Richie McCaw (NZ)

Coach – Jake White

Assistant Coach – Eddie Jones

Tickets are still available for the match and are on general sale and can be purchased by calling the 24-hour Ticketmaster hotline on 0844 847 2500 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Ticket prices are as follows: £60, £45 and £30. Concessions are also available for over-60s and under-16s at £30, £22.50 and £15. Booking fees apply.

Tickets can also be purchased at the Stadium on the evening of the match.

Shane Williams Plays At Wembley

[Published: Wednesday 12 November 2008]

 World Player of the Year nominee Shane Williams and rising French star Francois Trinh-Duc are the latest additions to the Barbarians' squad for the London Olympic Centenary match against Australia at Wembley Stadium on 3 December.

As has been widely anticipated, Williams will line up with South Africa's Bryan Habana and All Black Joe Rococoko to give coaches Jake White and Eddie Jones a mouthwatering selection option in the wing positions for the historic first rugby union match at the revamped stadium.

Both the Welshman and Habana will be making their Barbarians' debuts while Rococoko has already tasted glory in the black and white shirt when helping the Baa-Baas beat South Africa at Twickenham a year ago.

Trinh-Duc burst onto the international stage as a member of France's Six Nations squad last season and joins a back division that also includes England's Ollie Smith.

Barbarian committeeman Mike Burton said, “Assembling such a star-studded squad from several countries would not have been possible without the approval and co-operation of national unions and individual provinces and clubs and we are grateful for the support we continue to receive.

“Many people in many different capacities recognise the role of the Barbarians in such high-profile fixtures and their encouragement is a huge fillip to all of us who are involved. It promises to be a great occasion in every respect.”

In the rugby final at the 1908 London Olympics, Australia beat a Great Britain side represented by Cornwall. On 3 December the Barbarians will take the unprecedented step of wearing the socks of the present-day Cornwall county side.

Barbarians' president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “One of our club traditions is that all our players wear the socks of their home clubs but on this occasion we think it appropriate that they wear those of Cornwall in recognition of the county's role at the 1908 Olympics.”

The contribution of Cornwall a century ago will be further recognised by the presentation of the Cornwall Cup to the winning captain at Wembley, with the players of the respective sides receiving gold or silver commemorative medals.

Micky Steele-Bodger added, “It is anticipated that the Cornwall Cup will eventually be presented to the president of the Cornwall RFU as a permanent reminder of the county's unique place in this centenary match,”

As well as being one hundred years since the Wallabies first toured and played 30 matches in the British Isles, next month's match marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Barbarians' inaugural fixture against a major touring side at Cardiff Arms Park in 1948 and will be the tenth time that the Barbarians have played the Wallabies.

Barbarians squad:

Backs - Percy Montgomery (SA), Bryan Habana (SA), Joe Rococoko (NZ), Shane Williams (Wales), Rico Gear (NZ), Jean de Villiers (SA), Ollie Smith (England), Francois Trinh-Duc (France), George Gregan (Australia), Fourie du Preez (SA)

Forwards - John Smit (SA), Mark Regan (England), Gurthro Steenkamp (SA), Carl Hayman (NZ), Patrice Collazo (France), Bakkies Botha (SA), Steve Borthwick (England), Chris Jack (NZ), Nick Koster (Western Province), Schalk Burger (SA), Jerry Collins (NZ), Richie McCaw (NZ)

Coach – Jake White

Assistant Coach – Eddie Jones

Tickets are still available for the match and are on general sale and can be purchased by calling the 24-hour Ticketmaster hotline on 0844 847 2500 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Ticket prices are as follows: £60, £45 and £30. Concessions are also available for over-60s and under-16s at £30, £22.50 and £15. Booking fees apply.

Combined Services 14 Barbarians 33

[Published: Wednesday 05 November 2008]

Combined Services 14 Barbarians 33

Brickfields, Plymouth    -   Tuesday 4 November 2008

The eleventh annual Remembrance Match lived up to its reputation for serving up delightful rugby as the Barbarians outscored the Combined Services by five tries to two.

There was no shortage of attacking back play from both sides with each providing a highlight of the evening with sparkling tries from respective left wingers Chris Czekaj and Josh Drauninui. The Welsh international's try five minutes before the end finally put daylight between the teams on the scoreboard as for the first time the Baa-Baas went two scores ahead. Another try in injury time, and the second of the match for Dougie Flockhart, was the icing on the cake.

The Barbarians had been first out of the blocks with a fourth minute try by impressive Portugal skipper, Vasco Uva, which Rhys Jones converted from the touchline. But the Services hit back immediately with some smart interpassing along the left flank before fly-half Matt Rhodes touched down and Dave Pascoe added the extras.

The breathtaking start continued and there was still barely 10 minutes on the clock when the lively Rhodri McAtee took full advantage of turnover ball to race 50 metres to the posts and Jones again converted the try.

The Services had a major strike weapon of their own in Drauninui and he raised the biggest cheer so far as he set off on a loping, meandering route to the line that left two would-be tacklers clutching thin air. Pascoe's second conversion locked the scores at 14-all at the interval. The story of the half had been one of territorial domination by the Baa-Baas but of a latent try-scoring threat from the opposition.

Surprisingly, the third quarter was pointless but on the hour the Barbarians cleverly kicked into open space from near their own line and Flockhart gathered the bouncing ball and finished off a length of the field piece of opportunism. Replacement fly-half Mark Davies converted and he repeated the medicine in the 75^th minute after Czekaj's class shone through when he came off the blind-side wing and scythed through the outside centre channel for a try to satisfy the purists.

The Services were now visibly tiring and Flockhart's last gasp unconverted try provided a fitting climax to another hugely enjoyable event.

Barbarians: *D W Flockhart (Esher); R I McAtee (Cornish Pirates), T J Selley (Newport Gwent Dragons & Wales), *D P Mateus (Belelenenses & Portugal), *C D Czekaj (Cardiff Blues & Wales); *R Jones (Cornish Pirates), *W E P Runciman (Worcester Warriors); *A J Windo (Worcester Warriors), *J O Correia (Direito & Portugal), *R Hopkins (Plymouth Albion), *M W Hocken (Brussels Barbarians & Belgium), *C Gittins (Aberavon), *V Uva (Direito & Portugal), *K A Marriott (Plymouth Albion), D J Thomas, capt (Plymouth Albion)

Replacements: C C G Ritchie (Rosslyn Park) – Correia (55); *B Sturgess (Exeter Chiefs) – Windo (37); A B Brenton (Plymouth Albion) – Hocken (55); *J S Miller (Coventry) – Marriott (51); *R Bolt (Exeter Chiefs) – Runciman (55); M F Davies (Lydney) – Jones (37); W L Neethling (Plymouth Albion) – McAtee (40)

[* - denotes new Barbarian]

Tries – Flockhart 2 (60, 80+5), Uva (4), McAtee (10), Czekaj (75); Cons – Jones 2, Davies 2

Combined Services: M Roberts; A Satala, M Gittins, A Evans, J Drauninui; M Rhodes, D Pascoe, capt ; M Lewis, M Dwyer, C Budgen, M Cormack, B Hughes, A Tibbatts, J Kava, M Lee

Replacements: Leonard, R Scothern, D Ball, M Koroiyadi, A Vance, D Birkby, S Douglas

Tries: Rhodes (8), Drauninui (22); Cons – Pascoe 2

Referee: R Debney (RFU)

Seven Caps In Side To Take On Services

[Published: Thursday 30 October 2008]

Seven test players are included in the Barbarians' squad for the annual Remembrance Match against Combined Services at Brickfields Stadium, Plymouth on 4 November (kick-off 7.15pm).

Three members of Portugal's national team, including skipper Vasco Uva, are joined by three Welsh internationals from Cardiff Blues – Chris Czekaj, Rhys Williams and John Yapp.

New Zealand born Cambridge Blue Mat Hocken, who played for Belgium against the Barbarians last season, is also included in a squad that will be seeking its eighth win in 11 matches against the Services since 1997.

Club president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “The Remembrance Match is now established as an important part of our fixture calendar. It is a very special occasion for all of us as we appreciate the sacrifices being made by all our armed forces and it is very poignant to realise that every year there are players in the opposition team who only a few weeks earlier may have been involved in active service elsewhere in the world.”

Proceeds from the match will benefit the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. In addition, the Barbarians Rugby Trust will make a donation of £5,000 to the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.

The Barbarians will be coached by Rob Baxter of Exeter Chiefs, who played half-a-dozen times for the club and captained the side against Portugal in Lisbon in 2004.

Barbarians Squad:

(Backs) - Dougie Flockhart (Esher & Scotland A), Rhys Williams (Cardiff Blues & Wales), Rhodri McAtee (Cornish Pirates), Rhodri Gomer-Davies (Newport Gwent Dragons), Diogo Mateus (Belenenses & Portugal), Chris Czekaj (Cardiff Blues & Wales), Rhys Jones (Cornish Pirates), Mark Davies (Lydney), Will Runciman (Worcester Warriors), Richard Bolt (Exeter Chiefs)

(Forwards) – Joao Correia (Direito & Portugal), Chris Ritchie (Rosslyn Park), Tony Windo (Worcester Warriors), Brett Sturgess (Exeter Chiefs), John Yapp (Cardiff Blues & Wales), Mat Hocken (Brussels Barbarians & Belgium), Chris Gittins (Aberavon), Arthur Brenton (Plymouth Albion), Vasco Uva (Direito & Portugal), Danny Thomas (Plymouth Albion), Jamie Miller (Coventry), Kyle Marriott (Plymouth Albion)

 

Meanwhile, two former Barbarian players, Jason Leonard and Ian Metcalfe, have accepted invitations to join the club committee.

The full committee for 2008-09 is:

Micky Steele-Bodger (President)

Geoff Windsor-Lewis (Secretary)

Gordon H Brown (Treasurer)

Alan Evans (Registrar)

Zinzan Brooke

Mike Burton

John Jeffrey

Jason Leonard

Ian Metcalfe

Syd Millar

Phil Orr

Derek Quinnell

John Spencer

 

Gregan In Wembley Squad

[Published: Tuesday 07 October 2008]

The Barbarians' squad to play Australia in the London Olympic Centenary Match received another boost today when it was confirmed that George Gregan had been added to the squad.

The former Wallaby captain is still the world's most capped player with 117 tests and will join Springbok scrum-half Fourie du Preez in an enviable embarrassment of riches vying for the number 9 shirt in the starting line-up for what will be the first-ever rugby union showpiece at the new Wembley Stadium on 3 December.

The Barbarians' preparations ahead of the event received another boost with the news that Saracens' coach Eddie Jones had accepted an invitation to work alongside head coach Jake White for the match.

They will reprise their teamwork of a year ago when under White's direction they guided South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory.

On a flying visit to the UK this week White said, “The Barbarians are putting together a powerful squad of all the talents for this very special match. I have been impressed by the positive response from so many players world-wide and to have Eddie to assist me in the build-up is definitely an added bonus.”

Gregan, now with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan, is the latest superstar in a squad that already includes All Black captain Richie McCaw and his Springbok counterpart, John Smit, plus Jerry Collins, Carl Hayman and Joe Rokocoko from New Zealand, England's summer tour skipper Steve Borthwick, and South African World Cup winners Percy Montgomery, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger.

Barbarian president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “We have known from the outset that this Olympic celebration match would be another landmark occasion in the club's proud history. Fittingly, we are assembling a group of players and coaches which is as strong as any squad to have represented us in recent times.”

Tickets for Barbarians v Australia at Wembley Stadium are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or the 24-hour ticket hotline, 0844 847 2500.

Barbarians to play Scarlets

[Published: Wednesday 24 September 2008]

 

The Barbarians are to play the Scarlets in a special match to mark the official opening of Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli.

 

The club has accepted an invitation to take a star-studded line-up to Wales on Saturday 31 January 2009 to play in front of a bumper crowd at the new £23 million stadium.

 

The match will be part of a showcase event to officially open the 15,000 capacity new home of the Scarlets in front of a gathering of household names from the world of rugby and entertainment as well as high-profile members of the game's governing body, the WRU.

 

Stuart Gallacher, chief executive of the Scarlets, said: “We wanted to host a showcase match to mark the start of a new chapter in our history at Parc y Scarlets. We are absolutely delighted that the Barbarians have agreed to this fixture.

 

“It should be a thrilling match. The Barbarians are held in very high esteem and as we know, by their very nature they bring exciting, adventurous rugby to each game. We are hoping for a mix of some of the world’s top rugby players from both northern and southern hemispheres in what should be a great game of rugby and a memorable occasion.

 

“I know Nigel [Davies] and the squad are excited about the prospect – although they are very focused in their current campaign, it’s a high-profile additional fixture for the team in the new year which I know they’ll relish.

 

“We believe this will be a fitting way to celebrate our new home and to bring something extra special to our supporters and members this season to thank them for their continued commitment to our rugby region.”

 

Barbarians' president, Micky Steele-Bodger said: “The great figures of Llanelli rugby have had close associations with the Barbarians for many years. R H Williams and Phil Bennett still hold the record for the most Baa-Baas' appearances by Welshmen while Derek Quinnell is a former captain of distinction who now serves on our committee as well as being president of the Llanelli Association.

 

“I might also add that in 1970 the Scarlets' chief executive Stuart Gallacher was the first member of the Llanelli club to be invited to play for us against a major touring side, the Springboks, at Twickenham.

 

“We also have fond memories of two earlier fixtures in 1965, to open new accommodation at Stradey Park, and 1972 when we came to Llanelli to play a part in their centenary celebrations. So next January when we come back again we will be honoured to complete a unique treble.”

 

The Barbarians have confirmed today that their 22-man squad for the match will be coached by Welshman, Kingsley Jones. The composition of the squad will be announced in late December. Before that, the club takes part in another historic first, the inaugural rugby union match at the revamped Wembey Stadium. Their side to play in the Olympic Centenary Match against Australia on 3 December includes All Blacks Richie McCaw, Jerry Collins and Joe Rokocoko and Springbok World Cup winning skipper John Smit together with Jean de Villiers, Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger.

 

Scarlets v Barbarians on 31 January will kick-off at 2.30pm. Details of ticket prices and allocations for this ‘one-off’ occasion will be released by the region on its website www.scarlets.co.uk following the final game at Stradey Park on Friday 24 October 2008.

 

Barbarians Fixtures 2008/09:

4 November 2008 v Combined Services at Plymouth – Remembrance Match

3 December v Australia at Wembley Stadium – London Olympic Centenary

31 January 2009 v Scarlets at Llanelli – Parc y Scarlets Official Opening

18 March v Blackheath at Rectory Field - 150^th Anniversary Match

7 April v Bedford Blues at Goldington Road – Mobbs Memorial Match

30/31 May v England at Twickenham

June 2009 Overseas Tour to be announced

 

White to coach galaxy of stars at Wembley

[Published: Tuesday 23 September 2008]

 

The club is pleased to confirm that former South African coach Jake White will be in charge of coaching the Barbarians' squad for the Olympic Centenary Match against Australia.

 

Invitations are currently being sent to top players in both the southern hemisphere and Europe.

 

We announce today that the following have accepted their invitations and will be in the 22-man squad:

Backs – Percy Montgomery (SA), Joe Rokocoko (NZ), Jean de Villiers (SA), Bryan Habana (SA), Fourie du Preez (SA)

Forwards – Carl Hayman (NZ), John Smit (SA), Bakkies Botha (SA), Steve Borthwick (England), Schalk Burger (SA), Richie McCaw (NZ), Jerry Collins (NZ)

 

Further names will be announced in the near future.

 

The Barbarians have an agreement with Premier Rugby for the release of several players to represent us in the match.

The Barbarian kit suppliers for the Olympic Centenary Match will be adidas

 

 

 

Summer Tour Heads For Sydney

[Published: Monday 22 December 2008]

The Barbarians will travel to Sydney to play Australia as part of their summer tour in 2009. The club has accepted an invitation for the Australian Rugby Union to play the Wallabies at Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday 6 June.

 

Micky Steele-Bodger, President of the Barbarians, said: “For the Barbarian Football Club it is a great honour to be invited to Sydney to play Australia and we are delighted to take up the opportunity. Australia will be the twenty-second country in which we have played matches and the fixture in June promises to be quite an occasion.

 

“We have had a long-standing relationship with the Australian Rugby Union and, after hosting ten games over a period of sixty years at iconic venues like Cardiff Arms Park, the Millennium Stadium, Twickenham and, earlier this month, the new Wembley Stadium, we now look forward to going to Sydney to sample Australian hospitality and play some Barbarian-style rugby.”

 

The Barbarians' summer tour also includes a match against England at Twickenham on Saturday 30 May before the squad flies out to Australia. A third fixture in the United Kingdom, prior to the Twickenham date, is currently under discussion.

 

The club first travelled to the southern hemisphere in 1958, playing six matches in South Africa, and has also toured North and South America, Japan and Russia, Tunisia and Zimbabwe, as well as several European countries

 

This month's Olympic Celebration match against Australia at Wembley Stadium has quickly led to the invitation for a return fixture.

 

John O'Neill, the ARU's managing director and CEO., said, “The success of that match hardened our resolve to finalise discussions with the Barbarians about them coming to Australia for the first time.

 

“Those negotiations also ensure us a Barbarians side of real quality, one that will help deliver a new experience to Australian sporting fans, and at a ground [Sydney Football Stadium] where our national team has not played for almost a decade. We're very excited by this Barbarians venture. So too are the Barbarians.”

Baa-Baas Recruit Global Stars

[Published: Saturday 29 August 2009]

The Barbarians have already confirmed a host of world-class players and a highly regarded coaching team for their big clash against the All Blacks at Twickenham on 5 December.

 

 

Among the first batch of stars to accept invitations to play for the world-famous club are Wallabies Matt Giteau and Stirling Mortlock and Springboks Bryan Habana and Victor Matfield while adding spice to the mouthwatering fixture will be Pumas' points machine, Juan Martin Hernandez.

Mortlock, Matfield and Hernandez will be making their Baa-Baas' debuts but several others on both sides will be no strangers to the unique atmosphere and challenge of a Barbarians v touring team encounter.

Giteau was a member of the team that defeated the Springboks at Twickenham two years ago while Habana was in another star-studded line-up that took on Australia in the London Olympic celebration match at Wembley last December.

Taking charge of the squad's preparation will be Italy's national coach Nick Mallett, assisted by Alan Solomons.

Barbarian president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “Matches between the club and the All Blacks have always had a special resonance. The classic game in 1973 remains an obvious memory for everyone but over the years the Barbarian club has continued to have positive links with the New Zealand rugby fraternity in general.

“Though they will be on the opposing side next December, the likes of Richie McCaw, Joe Rokocoko, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Luke McAlister have all accepted invitations to play for the Barbarians in the last couple of years.

“Of course the quality of the All Blacks speaks for itself but we are confident that we will complete the recruitment of an outstanding squad ourselves for what promises to be yet another mouthwatering match.”

He added, “Such a glittering squad deserves top quality coaches and we are delighted that Nick Mallett, a former Barbarian in his own right in his playing days, and Alan Solomons, who has coached with us previously and very successfully, have also accepted invitations for the match.”

This year's pre-Christmas extravaganza is the latest in a series of ten fixtures between the two matches that stretches back to 1954. It will be the fifth time they have met at Twickenham and the first since 2004.

Tickets are now on sale via ticketmaster.co.uk, telephone 0844 847 2492

Prices range from £35 to £65 for adults, £17.50 to £32.50 for juniors (under-16) and special family tickets (two adults, two juniors) at £31.25

 

Barbarians 25 New Zealand 18

[Published: Monday 07 December 2009]

 Another historic day for the Club. Two years after claiming a third win over South Africa, the Barbarians have now notched up a 'double' over New Zealand.

It was a match in the best traditions of the long-running Baa-Baas against southern hemisphere series. Eagerly anticipated beforehand, few were left disappointed afterwards as a thrilling hat-trick of tries by Springbok super-wing Bryan Habana secured the inaugural MasterCard Trophy in front of a big Twickenham crowd.

There were massive contributions everywhere, not least from the coaching duo of Nick Mallett and assistant Alan Solomons as they prepared the squad with empathy, underlining each individual's self-belief and bringing out the best of talent that had bonded during seven days together.

If Habana's unprecedented three deadly strikes gained the headlines, then the leadership of Victor Matfield, heads-up rugby of the entire back division, and marvellous defence and set-piece commitment of the forwards were equally important.

The All Blacks led 3-nil after five minutes, and 10-7 after 24, but the Barbarians never panicked. In between, Drew Mitchell had pounced on turnover ball near his own 22, galloped up the left touchline, and his perfectly timed inside pass to the jet-propelled Habana was enough for the first converted try. With the last move of the first half, another All Blacks' attack deep in Baa-Baas' territory was foiled, this time Habana needing no assisitance as the 'King of the Intercept' streaked away on a 65-metre run to the distant posts.

Any thoughts that the Baa-Baas' couldn't build on their 14-10 interval lead were soon proved wrong. Matt Giteau stroked over a 35-metre penalty goal and, although the All Blacks got back to a two-point deficit thanks to a touchdown from Anthony Boric, Habana and his team-mates were far from finished.

This time it was patient build-up and phase play that created the score, culminating in deft footwork and the classic drawing of two defenders by Giteau, a crisp final pass from Morne Steyn, and a trademark dive into the corner by the wing.

In the final eight minutes Mike Delany and Steyn exchanged penalty goals but the Barbarians comfortably held on to their seven point lead to emulate the history makers of the famous 1973 victory.

 

Barbarians 25 New Zealand 18 (h/t: 14-10)

Twickenham : Saturday 5 December 2009

The MasterCard Trophy

 

Barbarians: D A Mitchell (Waratahs & Australia); J T Rokocoko (Auckland & New Zealand), J Fourie (Golden Lions & South Africa), J H Roberts (Cardiff Blues & Wales), B G Habana ((Stormers & South Africa); M J Giteau (Brumbies & Australia), P F du Preez (Blue Bulls & South Africa); S Perugini (Bayonne & Italy), B W du Plessis (Sharks & South Africa), W P Nel (Cheetahs), C A del Fava (Viadana & Italy), V Matfield, capt (Blue Bulls & South Africa), S W P Burger ((Stormers & South Africa), R D Elsom (Brumbies & Australia), G B Smith (Brumbies & Australia)

Replacements: S T Moore (Brumbies & Australia) – du Plessis (h/t); T Mtawarira (Sharks & South Africa) – Perugini (h/t); Q Geldenhuys (Viadana & Italy) – del Fava (53); A T Powell (Cardiff Blues & Wales) – Elsom (58); S W Genia (Reds & Australia) – du Preez (63); M Steyn (Blue Bulls & South Africa) – Mitchell (58); S L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues & Wales) - Habana (71)

Tries: Habana (3); Cons: Giteau (2); Pens: Giteau, Steyn

 

New Zealand: C S Jane; B R Smith, T E Ellison, C L McAlister, Z R Guidford; S R Donald, B G Leonard; W W V Crockett, C R Flynn, I F Afou, J J Eaton, A F Boric, L J Messam, R So'oialo, R H McCaw (captain)

Replacements: A K Hore (not used); N S Tialata (Crockett 68); A J Thomson (Guildford 58), T D Latimer (McCaw h/t); Q J Cowan (Leonard 53-64, Latimer 70); M P Delany (Donald h/t); S W Sivivatu (Ellison h/t)

Tries: Smith, Boric; Con: Donald; Pens: Donald, Delany

 

Referee: C Berdos (France)

Attendance: 63,551

Matfield leads against All Blacks

[Published: Wednesday 02 December 2009]

 South Africa's World Cup winning lock Victor Matfield will captain the Barbarians against New Zealand in The MasterCard Trophy match at Twickenham on Saturday.

He leads a Baa-Baas' side that also includes All Blacks' wing Joe Rokocoko, Wallabies' skipper Rocky Elsom, and Lions' player of the series last summer, Jamie Roberts.

Looking forward to the game, Matfield said, “To be invited to lead such a star-studded outfit is a huge honour for me. It will also be my debut for the Barbarians and the whole experience since the squad met up last Sunday has been unique.”

Barbarians' coach Nick Mallett added, “We have the benefit of a full week together ahead of the match and, knowing the talent that has been assembled among the 22 players, we expect to be very competitive and give the All Blacks and the Twickenham crowd a real taste of Barbarian rugby at its best.”

Barbarians' Team:

Drew Mitchell (Australia); Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand), Jaque Fourie (South Africa), Jamie Roberts (Wales), Bryan Habana (South Africa); Matt Giteau (Australia), Fourie du Preez (South Africa); Salvatore Perugini (Italy), Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa), W P Nel (Free State Cheetahs), Carlo del Fava (Italy), Victor Matfield, captain (South Africa), Rocky Elsom (Australia), Schalk Burger (South Africa), George Smith (Australia)

Replacements:

Stephen Moore (Australia), Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa), Quintin Geldenhuys (Italy), Andy Powell (Wales), Will Genia (Australia), Morne Steyn (South Africa), Leigh Halfpenny (Wales).

Tickets for The MasterCard Trophy are now on sale via ticketmaster.co.uk, telephone 0844 847 2492

Prices range from £35 to £65 for adults, £17.50 to £32.50 for juniors (under-16) and special family tickets (two adults, two juniors) at £31.25

 

 

Lions stars to take on All Blacks

[Published: Monday 23 November 2009]

International stars from around the world, including Wallabies Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom and Springboks Bryan Habana, Fourie du Preez and Victor Matfield, are included in the Barbarians' 22-man squad to play New Zealand in the MasterCard Trophy Match at Twickenham on Saturday 5 December.

Joining them will be Wales and Lions players Jamie Roberts, Leigh Halfpenny and Andy Powell while adding spice to the glittering occasion will be the inclusion of All Black wing Joe Rokocoko.

Matfield, Roberts and Halfpenny will be making their Baa-Baas' debuts but several others on both sides will be no strangers to the unique atmosphere and challenge of a Barbarians v touring team encounter.

Giteau, Elsom and Rokocoko were members of the team that defeated the Springboks at Twickenham two years ago while Habana, du Preez, Rokocoko and Schalk Burger were in another star-studded line-up that took on Australia in the London Olympic celebration match at Wembley Stadium last December.

The ten forwards in the squad include two members of Italy's autumn international team, Salvatore Perugini and Carlo del Fava, plus Springbok prop Tendai 'The Beast' Mtawarira and Australia's most capped forward, George Smith.

Taking charge of the squad's preparations will be Italy's national coach Nick Mallett, assisted by Alan Solomons. Mallett played for the Barbarians against Leicester in 1979 while Solomons coached the club on their triumphant summer tour in 2003 which featured victories over England, Scotland and Wales.

Barbarian president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “Matches between the Barbarians and the All Blacks have always had a special resonance. The classic game in 1973 remains an obvious memory for everyone and next month's match will be the tenth fixture between us since we first met at Cardiff Arms Park in 1954.

“We are particularly pleased that several stars who have played for us before are returning to represent the club and we also appreciate the gesture by Cardiff Blues in allowing three of their Lions to accept invitations to play in what promises to be yet another mouthwatering match.”

 

Barbarians' Squad:

Backs – Leigh Halfpenny (Wales), Bryan Habana (South Africa), Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand), Drew Mitchell (Australia), Jamie Roberts (Wales), Jaque Fourie (South Africa), Morne Steyn (South Africa), Matt Giteau (Australia), Fourie du Preez (South Africa), Will Genia (Australia)

Forwards – Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa), Stephen Moore (Australia), Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa), W P Nel (Free State Cheetahs), Salvatore Perugini (Italy), Victor Matfield (South Africa), Danie Rossouw (South Africa), Carlo del Fava (Italy), Rocky Elsom (Australia), Schalk Burger (South Africa), George Smith (Australia), Andy Powell (Wales)

 

Tickets are now on sale via ticketmaster.co.uk, telephone 0844 847 2492

Prices range from £35 to £65 for adults, £17.50 to £32.50 for juniors (under-16) and special family tickets (two adults, two juniors) at £31.25

 

 

Services Win Remembrance Match

[Published: Thursday 12 November 2009]

The Combined Services won the twelfth annual Remembrance Day Match thanks to a first half penalty goal after the sides had shared six tries in the traditional feast of running rugby.

No Barbarian would begrudge the Services their victory at a time when the sacrifices made by the military community in general weigh so consciously on everyone's mind. As always, the pre-match ceremonial hit all the right notes, with the playing of the Last Post, an immaculate two minutes' silence and a hearty rendition of the national anthem.

When the match got underway the Barbarians were out of their blocks first when, from the first lineout, Rhys Shellard popped up in midfield for a try at the posts, easily converted by David Blair.

The early points proved something of a false dawn as a long period of territorial dominance by the Services followed. After several near-misses at try-scoring they eventually settled for a 25-metre penalty goal from Mal Roberts in the 17^th minute. Eight minutes later they took the lead when a great break by fly-half Jack Prasad was finished off the Fijian flanker Apo Satala to which Roberts added the extras.

Prasad himself scored their next try in the 56^th minute with a classic fly-half's break from a scrum and the seven-pointer secured by Roberts' conversion.

The Barbarians had far more of the ball in the second half but, even with the penalty count overwhelmingly in their favour (17-5 by the end of the game) and lock Chris Scarf sin-binned for persistent team infringements, they were unable to ram home their advanatge. Instead it was their 14-man opponents who stretched their lead to 15 points when turnover ball at a lineout was used with clinical efficiency and Greg Barden skipped through for their third try.

It was little consolation that the Barbarians, who had struggled to cope with the flat defensive lines of the Services and lineout spoiling, finished the strongest. Prolonged pressure ended with Henry Head being driven over for a try converted by Richard McCarter and when Frankie Neale also crossed in the 78^th minute there was a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, no sooner had they established an attacking lineout near the Services' corner flag than the final whistle was blown.

A genuinely competitive encounter had ended in the best of spirits and the Barbarians also made a generous donation to the Royal British Legion.

Combined Services 22 Barbarians 19 (h/t: 10-7)

Army Rugby Stadium, Aldershot Wednesday 11 November 2009

Barbarians: C S Morgan (Cardiff & Wales); S L Webster (Edinburgh & Scotland), *J H Lewis (Coventry), T J Selley (Tonmawr & Wales), *D J Slemen (Esher); *D W Blair (Edinburgh), *R M Lewis (London Welsh); *R Grant (Edinburgh), *T N Youngs (Nottingham), *R C Dugard (Coventry), *J P H J Schumacher (Leidsche & Netherlands), *S R Turnbull (Edinburgh), J V Dalziel (Melrose), C J Hammond, captain (Nottingham), *R Shellard (Cardiff)

Replacements: C C G Ritchie (Rosslyn Park) – Youngs (65); D S Porte (Plymouth Albion) – Dugard (66); H J Head (Richmond) – Turnbull (15); *S-M Stephen (Plymouth Albion & Canada) – Shellard (38-40), Schumacher (58); *C B Pilgrim (Newcastle Falcons) – R M Lewis (45); R G McCarter (City of Derry) – Blair (69); *F R C Neale (London Scottish) – Morgan (69)  [* - denotes new Barbarian]

Tries – Shellard, Head, Neale; Cons – Blair, McCarter.

Combined Services: M Roberts; M Magnus, G Barden, P Nacamavuto, G Quasavacatini; J Prasad, I Martin; M Lewis, M Dwyer, C Budgen, S Green, C Scarf, A Satala, G Evans, M A Lee, captain

Replacements: J Matthews, K Dowding, D Bates, J Kava, T Chennell, R Lloyd, S Rokovini

Y/c: Scarf (60)

Tries – Satala, Prasad, Barden; Cons – Roberts (2); Pen – Roberts

Referee: A Small (RFU)

 

Team to play Combined Services

[Published: Monday 02 November 2009]

 The Barbarians include players from seven different countries in their 22-man squad to play Combined Services in the twelfth annual Remembrance Match at Aldershot on Wednesday 11 November (7.15pm).

Among the new Barbarians are the first pair of twins to play for the club, James and Robert Lewis.The 21-year-old Wales Sevens' representatives are following in the footsteps of their father, Steve, who played for the Baa-Baas against Leicester in 1979.

A further father and son link with the club will be achieved with the inclusion of Esher captain David Slemen, emulating his father Mike, the England and Lions' wing whose eight appearances for the Barbarians included a brace of tries against New Zealand in 1978.

Included in the pack is Tim Schumacher, the captain of the Netherlands who becomes the third Dutch international to play for the club, and Sean-Michael Stephen, the Canadian Rugby World Cup representative..

Barbarians' president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “The demands of the professional game put considerable pressure on both players and their clubs, to whom we are most grateful for their understanding and support in releasing players for this occasion. The clubs appreciate how much the individual player enjoys the whole experience and are very sympathetic.

“We are also delighted that Tim Schumacher and Sean-Michael Stephen will be with us. We are a touring club and have to date visited twenty-three countries and hope to add many more. It is always a pleasure to have such players wearing the Barbarian colours.”

The team will be coached by Glenn Delaney of Nottingham, invited back for a second time after his successful preparation of the team that played in last season's Mobbs Memorial Match.

Barbarians' squad:

Backs - Craig Morgan (Cardiff & Wales),* David Slemen (Esher), Simon Webster (Edinburgh & Scotland), *James Lewis (Coventry), Tal Selley (Tonmawr & Wales), *Frankie Neale (London Scottish), Richard McCarter (City of Derry), *David Blair (Edinburgh), *Chris Pilgrim (Newcastle Falcons), *Robert Lewis (London Welsh)

Forwards – *Ryan Grant (Edinburgh), *Rob Dugard (Coventry), Danny Porte (Plymouth Albion), *Tom Youngs (Nottingham), Chris Ritchie (Rosslyn Park), *Tim Schumacher (Leidsche & Netherlands), *Steven Turnbull (Edinburgh), Henry Head (Richmond), John Dalziel (Melrose), *Sean-Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion & Canada), *Rhys Shellard (Cardiff), Craig Hammond (Nottingham)

[* - denotes new Barbarian]

 

Festive Rugby Fit For The Occasion

[Published: Thursday 19 March 2009]

Blackheath 45 Barbarians 57

150^th Anniversary Match

Rectory Field, Wednesday 18 March 2009

A match of 16 tries played out in front of a capacity crowd at the historic Rectory Field was nothing less than the Blackheath club deserved on an early spring evening.

Beforehand, the presidents of both clubs – Mike Newsom and Micky Steele-Bodger – had spoken effusively of the ties that had bonded their respective clubs together ever since eight Blackheath players had featured in the first Barbarians XV in 1890.

The 80 minutes of sparkling rugby that followed only served to underline their shared ideals and style of play. That the Baa-Baas shaded the try count 9-7 in their favour was almost incidental as every one of the 44 players contributed to the running and passing feast on offer.

The lead changed hands three times in a breathtaking first half, at the end of which the Barbarians, at one stage trailing 12-21, led 31-28. Though they never lost their advantage in the second period, the Baa-Baas never looked like running away, in another sense, with a match that celebrated 150 years of rugby for their hosts.

Appropriately, Blackheath had the final word with a thrilling try for back rower James Catt in the 72^nd minute, by which time both sets of players were almost out on their feet. Opposite number Mark Lee was voted Barbarians' man of the match but, in truth, everyone involved shared star billing on an occasion that left a warm glow in everyone's hearts.

At the end, Micky Steele-Bodger said, “Words cannot express how happy I am to be here with the Barbarians this evening – and what we have had served up in the field of play has been exceptional. My heartiest congratulations are extended to all concerned.”

Barbarians: *K A Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons &Wales); *S P Hunt (Birmingham-Solihull), S J Jewell (HEC Harlequins & Esher), *D J Bishop (Ospreys), *D van Vuuren (Doncaster Knights); R G McCarter (Dungannon), *N P J Walshe (Bedford Blues & England); N R Hall (Newport Gwent Dragons), G C Bulloch (West of Scotland & Scotland), *P A Palmer (Pontypridd), *J Cannon (Northampton Saints & Bedford Blues), *H Senekal (Cornish Pirates & Namibia), *J V Dalziel (Melrose), P Volley, captain (London Scottish), *M A Lee (Army)

Replacements: C C G Ritchie (Rosslyn Park) – Bulloch (60); J J R Dawson (Cambridge University) - Palmer (60); *H J Head (Richmond) – Senekal (60); *J M Lumby (Barnes) – Volley (h/t); *O Ruttley (Cardiff) – McCarter (50); J S Shanahan (Cambridge) – Jewell (h/t); *O P Dodge (Bedford Blues) - Hunt (h/t)

Scorers: Tries – Hunt (2), Lee (2), Dalziel, Bishop, Jewell, Bulloch, Morgan; Cons – McCarter (3), Walshe (3)

Referee: T Hall (Kent Society)

Attendance: 2,300

Delaney in charge against Services

[Published: Friday 30 October 2009]

 Nottingham's coach Glenn Delaney will be in charge of the Barbarians' squad to play Combined Services in the annual Remembrance Match at the Army Rugby Stadium, Aldershot on Wednesday 11 November (7.15pm).

It will be the New Zealander's second stint with the club, having also coached the Baa-Baas in last season's Mobbs Memorial Match. A 22-man squad that includes capped players from England, Scotland, Wales, Canada and the Netherlands will be announced on 2 November. 

 

 

 

Baa-Baas Return to Ireland

[Published: Wednesday 09 December 2009]

 The Barbarians will play Ireland for the MasterCard Trophy next summer.

The historic fixture at Thomond Park, Limerick, on Friday 4 June has been added to the club's 2010 summer tour which kicks off at Twickenham against England the previous Sunday, 30 May.

Barbarian president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “We are absolutely delighted to be invited back to Ireland where we have so many friends in the game. Over the years Irish rugby folk have done the Barbarians proud, both as players and club administrators.

“To be visiting the new stadium at Thomond Park is an added attraction for us. Back in 1991 we were in Munster to help the Constitution club in Cork celebrate their centenary and we have enjoyed similar anniversary matches with Old Wesley and the Wanderers in Dublin.

“The prospect of playing the national team in Limerick is something we shall look forward to tremendously and will provide a fitting climax to our 2010 summer tour.”

The Barbarians first played in Ireland in October 1957 when they beat an Ulster Invitation XV 14-11 at Ravenhill. More recently, they beat South Africa at Lansdowne Road in 1994, played there again against Ireland in the Peace International in 1996, and as part of the summer tour in 2000.

Irish Rugby Football Union president John Callaghan said, “This promises to be a truly memorable occasion as both IRFU and Munster welcome the Barbarians to Ireland once more.

“The much celebrated Barbarians' brand of rugby will surely bring an entertaining game to Thomond Park and one which I'm sure Ireland rugby fans will be looking forward to seeing.”

 

The Barbarians in Ireland

19 October 1957 v Ulster Invitation XV (Belfast) W 14-11

16 September 1970 v Wanderers (Dublin) W 30-9

10 September 1991 v Constitution (Cork) W 39-9

12 September 1991 v Old Wesley (Dublin) L 36-37

3 December 1994 v South Africa (Dublin) W 23-15

18 May 1996 v Ireland (Dublin) W 70-38

28 May 2000 v Ireland (Dublin) W 31-30

 

In 2008 the Barbarians played Ireland in Kingsholm, Gloucester. Ireland won the match 39-14.

 

Tickets for Ireland v Barbarians are on sale from Wednesday 9 December and are available on www.Ticketmaster.ie and the hotline 0818 719 300.

 

Great Win At Twickenham

[Published: Tuesday 09 June 2009]

 

England 26 Barbarians 33 (h/t 5-14)

Twickenham Saturday 30 May 2009

The Barbarians gave their demanding summer tour the perfect start when they gained their fifth win in nine matches against England.

The Baa-Baas flew out of the blocks with a brace of tries from Ian Balshaw and Chris Jack in the opening quarter and were well worth their 14-5 interval lead. Then they went into overdrive on the resumption with three tries in nine minutes to establish a comfortable 28-point cushion before the inevitable England comeback in the closing stages.

But just as Rocky Elsom, Balshaw again and Gordon D'Arcy showed the attacking virtues of the star-studded squad with those three touchdowns early in the half, so the courageous defence shone through as England were held out in the dying moments.

Barbarians: B A Blair (Cardiff Blues); *D C Howlett (Munster), *O J Lewsey (London Wasps), *G W D'Arcy (Leinster), I R Balshaw (Gloucester); G W Jackson (Saracens), J W Marshall (Saracens); *C Dermody (London Irish), S B Brits (Stormers), *G M Somerville (Gloucester), M E Corry, captain (Leicester Tigers), C R Jack (Saracens), J Collins (Toulon), R D Elsom (Leinster), *B S Betsen (London Wasps)

Replacements : S Bruno (Sale Sharks) – Brits (57); *B J Botha (Ulster) – Somerville (49-66, Dermody 66-80); *P D Tito (Cardiff Blues) – Jack (64); P R Waugh (Waratahs) – Betsen (57); *C J Whitaker (Leinster) – Marshall (72); *M J Catt (London Irish) – Lewsey (64); *R N Nasiganiyavi (Randwick) – Balshaw (49)

[* - denotes new Barbarian]

Tries – Balshaw (2), Jack, Elsom, D'Arcy; Cons – Blair (4)

England: D Armitage; B Foden, J D Noon, J Turner-Hall, M Banahan; A J Goode, D S Care; T A N Payne, D M Hartley, D Wilson, S W Borthwick, L P Deacon, C Robshaw, N J Easter, L W Moody

Replacements: S G Thompson (Hartley 60), N Wood (Payne 53), C M Jones, S Armitage (Moody 53), J Haskell (Deacon 66), P Hodgson (Care 52), T May (Noon 40)

Tries – Foden, Turner-Hall, May, Banahan; Cons – Goode (3)

Referee: R Poite (France)

Attendance: 40,121

Team Named For Twickenham

[Published: Wednesday 27 May 2009]

 Martin Corry will lead a Barbarians' squad drawn from seven nations against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Included in the starting line-up are two of Leinster's Heineken Cup winning team, Gordon D'Arcy and Rocky Elsom, with a third member, Chris Whitaker, named among the replacements.

Also in the side are Corry's former England Rugby World Cup colleagues, Josh Lewsey, Ian Balshaw and Mike Catt.

 

Team: Ben Blair; *Doug Howlett, *Josh Lewsey, *Gordon D'Arcy, Ian Balshaw; Glen Jackson, Justin Marshall; *Clarke Dermody, Schalk Brits, *Greg Somerville, Martin Corry (captain), Chris Jack, Jerry Collins, Rocky Elsom, *Serge Betsen

Replacements: Sebastien Bruno, *B J Botha, *Paul Tito, Phil Waugh, *Chris Whitaker, *Mike Catt, *Ratu Nasiganiyavi

[* denotes new Barbarian]

 

Corry To Lead On Tour

[Published: Thursday 21 May 2009]

 Leicester Tigers and England legend Martin Corry has accepted an invitation from the Barbarians to be the squad captain on this summer's two-match tour.

The Barbarians play England at Twickenham on 30 May before flying to Sydney where they will play Australia on 6 June.

Barbarians' president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “We have a particularly strong squad this year, full of test quality players with vast experience world wide. Martin was a popular choice by our committee to be their captain. He is held in high regard by everyone who has played with and against him and as he is retiring after our tour we are delighted to think that his final matches will be in a Barbarian jersey.”

Martin Corry, who first played for the Barbarians on their summer tour to South America in 1998, said, “It is a huge honour for me to be invited to be captain of the Barbarians. They are a club that holds dear everything which is right about rugby. They never fail to promote the proper values and traditional qualities of our sport.”

Corry, who was capped 64 times by England and led the side on 17 occasions, will lead out the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday week accompanied by his two children, three-year-old Edward and his sister Eve (5), as match mascots.

He added, “For me this is going to be a very emotional family occasion. It will be my last game in England and to finish at Twickenham with my two children as mascots is just perfect.”

The summer tour also gives Corry an opportunity to team up again with former Lions' team mates and now coaches, David Young and Mike Catt.

He said, “That is something else I am looking forward to tremendously. I've had some great experiences with Dai [Young], especially on the 2001 Lions' tour to Australia when he was the midweek captain and created a tremendous spirit on what was in some respects a difficult tour. As for Catty, he will be an ideal backs' coach for the Baa-Baas. He has a naturally gifted rugby brain and will want to play the game just as the Barbarians have always done.”

Meanwhile, the summer tour squad has been finalised with the addition of the 77-times capped Wallabies' flanker Phil Waugh and Fijian wing prodigy Ratu Nasiganiyavi, a 19 stones-plus member of the Waratahs' Super 14 squad.

Clarke Dermody replaces the injured Iestyn Thomas who has withdrawn because of injury while Peter Grant (called up by South Africa), Dimitri Yachvili (called up by France) and Justin Harrison (retired) are unavailable. Chris Whitaker and Andre Pretorius are late additions to the squad.

The Barbarians squad:

Backs - Ben Blair (Cardiff Blues & NZ), *Doug Howlett (Munster & NZ), *Sonny Bill Williams (Toulon), Seilala Mapusua (London Irish & Samoa), *Luke McAlister (Sale Sharks & NZ), *Josh Lewsey (London Wasps & England), Geordan Murphy (Leicester Tigers & Ireland), Ian Balshaw (Gloucester & England), *Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster & Ireland), *Ratu Nasiganiyavi (Waratahs), *Andre Pretorius (Lions & SA), Justin Marshall (Saracens & NZ), *Chris Whitaker (Leinster  & Australia)

Forwards - Sebastien Bruno (Sale Sharks & France), Schalk Brits (Stormers & SA), *Clarke Dermody (London Irish & NZ), *Greg Somerville (Gloucester & NZ), * B J Botha (Ulster & SA), Chris Jack (Saracens & NZ), *Paul Tito (Cardiff Blues), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers & England), Jerry Collins (Toulon & NZ), Rocky Elsom (Leinster & Australia), *Serge Betsen (London Wasps & France), Phil Waugh (Waratahs & Australia)

[* - denotes new Barbarian]

Coach: David Young; Backs' coach: Mike Catt

Tickets for England v Barbarians are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 8472492

Summer Squad Latest

[Published: Monday 11 May 2009]

 The composition of the squad for the 2009 summer tour is reaching completion.

The Barbarians will play England at Twickenham of Saturday 30 May before flying to Sydney where they will play Ausralia at Sydney Football Stadium on the evening of Saturday 6 June.

The players confirmed are:

Backs

1. Ben Blair (Cardiff Blues & NZ)

2. Doug Howlett (Munster & NZ)*

3. Seilala Mapusua (London Irish & Samoa)

4. Luke McAlister (Sale Sharks & NZ)*

5. Josh Lewsey (London Wasps & England)*

6. Geordan Murphy (Leicester Tigers & Ireland)

7. Ian Balshaw (Gloucester & England)

8. Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster & Ireland)*

9. Sonny Bill Williams (Toulon)*

10. Justin Marshall (Saracens & NZ)

11. Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz Olympique & France)*

Forwards

1. Sebastien Bruno (Sale Sharks & France)

2. Schalk Brits (Stormers & SA)

3. Clarke Dermody (London Irish & NZ)*

4. Greg Somerville (Gloucester & NZ)*

5. B J Botha (Ulster & SA)*

6. Chris Jack (Saracens & NZ)

7. Paul Tito (Cardiff Blues)*

8. Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers & England)

9. Jerry Collins (Toulon & NZ)

10. Rocky Elsom (Leinster & Australia)

11. Serge Betsen (London Wasps & France)*

[* - denotes new Barbarian]

 

David Young of Cardiff Blues will be the head coach, assisted by Mike Catt (London Irish)

Welsh Regions Provide Players For Tour

[Published: Thursday 09 April 2009]

 The Barbarians have invited three players from the Welsh regions to play on their annual summer tour.

Cardiff Blues' skipper Paul Tito and full-back Ben Blair, together with Scarlets' international prop Iestyn Thomas, are set to be part of a star-studded squad that also includes global names such as All Blacks Doug Howlett, Jerry Collins and Luke McAlister, Wallabies Rocky Elsom and Justin Harrison, and England's Martin Corry and Josh Lewsey.

Blair played for the Baa-Baas in the match to celebrate the opening of Parc y Scarlets last January, while Tito and Thomas will be making their debuts for the famous touring club.

Blues' director of rugby David Young will be in charge of the coaching and assisted by Mike Catt.

Other confirmed names for a tour that features games against England at Twickenham on 30 May and Australia at Sydney Football Stadium on 6 June include former rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams, Samoan centre Seilila Mapusua and three Frenchmen, Dimitri Yachvili, Sebastien Bruno, and Serge Betsen.

A Barbarian spokesman said, “We are breaking new ground this year with Australia becoming the twenty-third country visited by the club. It will be a tough test and we are assembling the strongest possible squad. Several other players are being confirmed this week and will be announced shortly.

The players already confirmed are:

Backs: Ben Blair (Cardiff Blues & New Zealand), Doug Howlett (Munster Rugby & New Zealand),  Josh Lewsey (London Wasps & England), Ian Balshaw (Gloucester & England), Luke McAlister (Sale Sharks & New Zealand), Seilala Mapusua (London Irish & Samoa), Justin Marshall (Saracens & New Zealand), Sonny Bill Williams (Toulon), Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz Olympique & France)

Forwards: Sebastien Bruno (Sale Sharks & France), Iestyn Thomas (Scarlets & Wales), Greg Somerville (Gloucester & New Zealand), Justin Harrison (Bath Rugby & Australia), Paul Tito (Cardiff Blues), Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers & England), Serge Betsen (London Wasps & France), Jerry Collins (Toulon & New Zealand), Rocky Elsom (Leinster & Australia)

David Young of Cardiff Blues will be the head coach, assisted by Mike Catt (London Irish)

Barbarians 76 Bedford Blues 45

[Published: Wednesday 08 April 2009]

 Bedford Blues 45 Barbarians 76 (H/t 12-43)

Goldington Road, Bedford                    Tuesday 7 April 2009

82^nd Mobbs Memorial Match

The great traditions of the club's longest standing fixture were gloriously upheld with a sparkling display of attacking rugby by both sides.

Speedy Fylde wing Nicholas Royle touched down for the first try inside the first three minutes and from then on the breathless pace of the action continued to the very end.

The Baa-Baas had invited players who were prepared to attack from every corner of the pitch and they went on to score an incredible four tries in the opening ten minutes. Any fears that the Blues would be blown away by this sensational start were eventually dispelled. Though the hosts trailed by 31 points at the interval they never gave up and, indeed, scored the final three converted tries in the 75^th, 77^th and 80^th minutes.

Every one of the Barbarians could feel proud of their contribution and there were stand-out performances by silky fly-half Rory Clegg, an England under-20 cap, and an exceptional all-action hooker, Joe Duffey.

Pick of the Baa-Baas' twelve tries might well be David Jackson's 70-metre effort in the 62^nd minute when he stood up the defence in text-book fashion before powering way on an outside arc. That made the points' tally exactly 62 in as many minutes and 10 minutes later the Nottingham winger completed his hat-trick after a classy flip pass by Hal Luscombe.

Barbarians: *M W Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons); *N D Royle (Fylde), *A R Henderson (Glasgow Rugby & Scotland), *J Kennedy (Sale Sharks), *D M Jackson (Nottingham Rugby); *R M Clegg (Newcastle Falcons), R G Samson (Tynedale); *D E Jacques (Redruth), J J Duffey (Nottingham Rugby), *S C Turner (Sale Sharks & England), *R J Gray (Glasgow Rugby), *I A Fullarton (London Scottish & Scotland), *H Venter (Coventry), C J Hammond, capt (Nottingham Rugby), L C H Sherriff (Nottingham Rugby)

Replacements: *D Rosen (Oxford University) – Duffey (58); *L Ovens (Bath Rugby) – Jacques (51); H J Head (Richmond) – Fullarton (51), J V Dalziel (Melrose) – Venter (59); *D J  Wilson (Preston Grasshoopers) – Samson (59), J S Shanahan (Cambridge) – Henderson (62); *H N Luscombe (Worcester Warriors & Wales) – Kennedy (h/t)

[* - denotes new Barbarian]

Tries: Jackson (3), Samson (3), Royle (2), Thomas, Henderson, Fullarton, Sherriff; Cons – Clegg (8)

Bedford Blues: T Foden; M Allen, W Lawson, J Knight, D Taylor; N P J Walshe, W Chudley; A Brown, G Sammons, J Graham, P Hoy, S Hobson, D Falvey, R McKay (capt), B Daynes

Replacements: C Locke ((Sammons 51), S Walsh (Brown 63), A Dempsey (Hobson 58), J Miccans (Falvey 58), D Veenendaal (Chudley 65), B M Davies (Walshe 51), A Fenner (Foden 62)

Tries: Knight (2), Veenendaal (2), Taylor, Allen, McKay; Cons : Fenner (3), Walshe, Davies

Referee: David Rose (RFU)

Attendance: 1606

December Date with All Blacks Confirmed

[Published: Tuesday 07 April 2009]

The Barbarians have completed arrangements for another fixture with New Zealand in the 2009/10 season. They will play the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday 5 December 2009.

It will be the tenth match in a series between the club and the cream of New Zealand rugby that began with the inaugural fixture at Cardiff Arms Park in 1954.

Micky Steele-Bodger, president of the Barbarians, said: “The confirmation of the fixture in December is really good news as so many of the matches between us have proved memorable, containing some unforgettable moments of brilliance.

“As a club we are looking forward to another great challenge and, in every sense, a marvellous occasion.”

Next December's match will be the third occasion in as many years that the Barbarians have played one of the major southern hemisphere rugby nations. In December 2007 the Baa-Baas defeated the newly-crowned World Cup winners South Africa 22-5 at Twickenham.

Last December at the new Wembley Stadium Australia provided the opposition in the London Olympics' centenary match. Included in the Barbarians' team then was All Blacks' skipper Richie McCaw and he is looking forward to another major occasion next season.

He said: “I had a great time playing for the Barbarians last year and now to get the opportunity to play against them is going to be pretty special.

“Matches like this are rare and there is such a long tradition of matches between the All Blacks and the Barbarians, it's going to be huge for the team.”

The match will provide a fitting climax to New Zealand's four-match autumn tour of Europe that also includes tests against Italy, England and France. The Barbarians, meanwhile, have a tour of their own this summer, playing England at Twickenham on 30 May and Australia at Sydney Football Stadium on 6 June.

 

Tickets for the Barbarians v New Zealand match at Twickenham on Saturday 5 December 2009 are on general sale via www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 8472492

All adult and concession ticket purchasers will receive a free £20 voucher to spend at the new South Stand Rugby Store at Twickenham if they buy their ticket before 1 September.

Tickets are priced from £35 through to £65 for adults and £17.50 to £32.50 for concessions.

Family tickets are available priced at £125 for two adults and two children.

Please note that the £20 vouchers are not available for family tickets as a discount has already been included in the package.

Disappointment in Sydney

[Published: Tuesday 09 June 2009]

 

Australia 55 Barbarians 7

Sydney Football Stadium Saturday 6 June 2009 (h/t 20-7)

The debilitating effects of the whistle-stop trip to Australia kicked in with full force in the latter stages as an outstanding young Wallabies' side scored eight tries, half of them in the final 14 minutes of a breathtaking encounter.

The Baa-Baas' cohesion was hindered by an early injury to Seilala Mapusua and with Geordan Murphy also handicapped by the recurrence of a leg injury, but there was no denying the pace and brilliance of the opposition.

A bright beginning which almost resulted in a try for Sonny Bill Williams produced no points and soon the pattern of the match was set as Matt Giteau developed a masterclass at fly-half for the Wallabies. His individual try in the 23^rd minute was the highlight of the first half, but the Baa-Baas hit back strongly with the final move before the interval with a length of the field counter-attack resulting in a try for Ian Balshaw.

The Barbarian cause was not helped by a series of marginal 50/50 decisions, including knock-ons in the build-up to tries and also a crucial TV replay, going against them.

Nevertheless, amidst the disappointment of the final scoreline, the club's first visit to Australia was hailed as an overall success.

Barbarians: G E A Murphy (Leicester); I R Balshaw (Gloucester), *S B Williams (Toulon), S J Mapusua (London Irish), O J Lewsey (London Wasps); *C L McAlister (Sale Sharks), C J Whitaker (Leinster); C Dermody (London Irish), S Bruno (Sale Sharks), B J Botha (Ulster), C R Jack (Saracens), P D Tito (Cardiff Blues), J Collins (Toulon), *D J Lyons (Llanelli Scarlets), P R Waugh, captain (Waratahs)

Replacements: S Brits (Stormers) – Bruno (50); G M Somerville (Gloucester) – Dermody (45); M E Corry (Leicester Tigers) – Jack (55); B S Betsen (London Wasps) – Waugh (65); J W Marshall (Saracens) – Whitaker (55); G W Jackson (Saracens) – Mapusua (30); B A Blair (Cardiff Blues) – Murphy (45)

Try – Balshaw; Con – Blair

Australia : A P Ashley-Cooper; L D Turner, S A Mortlock (capt), B S Barnes, D A Mitchell; M J Giteau, L Burgess; B A Robinson, S T Moore, A K E Baxter, J E Horwill, N C Sharpe, M Hodgson, R N Brown, G B Smith

Replacements: T Polota-Nau, B Alexander, D W Mumm, D Pocosk, J J Valentine, Q Cooper, J O'Connor

Tries – Horwill, Mitchell (2), Giteau, Moore, Alexander, Pocock, O'Connor; Cons – Giteau (4), Mortlock (2); Pen – Giteau

Referee: S Dickinson (Australia)

Attendance: 39,688

2010 Mobbs Match Confirmed

[Published: Friday 30 October 2009]

The 83rd Mobbs Memorial Match has been confirmed. Bedford Blues will again provide the opposition when the Barbarians travel to Goldington Road on Tuesday 2 March 2010. 

 

O'Sullivan Teams Up With Young For Summer Tour

[Published: Sunday 01 February 2009]

Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has accepted an invitation from the club committee to assist David Young with the squad coaching when the Barbarians play England and Australia on the 2009 summer tour.

Making the announcement at Llanelli as the Baa-Baas' prepared to play the Scarlets at the official opening of Parc y Scarlets, club president Micky Steele-Bodger said, "Our tour this year is particularly demanding as we have to play two top international sides in London and Sydney in the space of a week. We have every confidence that David and Eddie will make an excellent coaching team. Both have coached for us before and we were very keen for them to come with us again. We are delighted that both have accepted our invitation."

Mastercard become Match Sponsors

[Published: Thursday 12 November 2009]

                                             MASTERCARD TO BECOME BARBARIANS MATCH SPONSOR

WITH THE MASTERCARD TROPHY

 

• MasterCard signs multi match sponsorship deal for all the scheduled Barbarian International Fixtures in 2009 /2010

• These matches will now be known as The MasterCard Trophy

• MasterCard to become The Official Payment System Partner of the Barbarian International Matches

 

 

MasterCard has announced that it is to become match sponsor to the Barbarian Internationals for 2009-2010. The MasterCard Trophy (as the matches will now be known) kicks off with a high profile game against the mighty All Blacks at Twickenham on 5 December 2009.

 

Confirmed for The MasterCard Trophy (which will be awarded to the winning team after each game) are New Zealand and England, with other games against leading rugby nations to be announced in the coming weeks.

 

As part of the agreement, MasterCard has access to a comprehensive rights and benefits package that includes extensive on and off pitch branding. The MasterCard Trophy will also allow MasterCard to deliver increased value to commercial partners, including customer financial institutions and retailers, as well as MasterCard cardholders, enabling them to access “Priceless” MasterCard Trophy experiences through promotional activity.

 

Ben Rhodes, VP Marketing, MasterCard, said, “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 The MasterCard Trophy to our existing Rugby World Cup 2011 sponsorship.”

 

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”

 

Already lined up for the inaugural MasterCard Trophy Twickenham game against New Zealand on 5 December will be some of the best known players from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Wales and Italy. Matt Giteau (Aus), Bryan Habana (SA), Joe Rokocoko (NZ), Fourie du Preez (SA), George Smith (Aus) and Victor Matfield (SA) are just some of the star names starting for the Barbarians.

 

Tickets for the first MasterCard Trophy match against New Zealand are available via ticketmaster.co.uk, telephone 0844 847 2492. Prices range from £35 to £65 for adults, £17.50 to £32.50 for juniors (under-16)

 

-
The MasterCard Trophy – Draft Match Schedule:

 

• December 5^th 2009 – The Barbarians vs. New Zealand, Twickenham

 

• May 30^th 2010 - The Barbarians vs. England, Twickenham

 

• Other Internationals to be confirmed for 2010

 

 

  

Season's Fixtures

[Published: Monday 07 December 2009]

Fixtures to date

11 November 2009 - v Combined Services (Aldershot)

5 December 2009 - v New Zealand (Twickenham)

Still to come

2 March 2010 - v Bedford Blues (Goldington Road)  - 83rd Mobbs Memorial Match

30 May 2010 - v England (Twickenham)

4 June 2010 - v Ireland (Thomond Park, Limerick)

Ticket Details For All Blacks' Extravaganza

[Published: Tuesday 09 June 2009]

 Next  season's headline fixture between the Barbarians and New Zealand is laready attracting the rugby fans with ticket sales reported to be healthy, even at this early stage.

That should surprise no one.

 Following on from the epic encounters against the Springboks and the Wallabies in the last two seasons, the clash with the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday 5 December (kick-off 2.30pm) promises to be another pre-Christmas extravaganza of representative rugby at its best.

It will be the ninth encounter between the sides in a series that stretches back to 1954. The Barbarians won the legendary match at Cardiff Arms Park in 1973 and the All Blacks triumphed in the most recent fixture played at Twickenham in 2004.

Tickets are available now from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 8472492 and are priced from £35 through to £65 for adults and £17.50-£32.50 for concessions.

 All adult and concession ticket purchasers will receive a free £20 voucher to spend at the new South Stand Rugby Store at Twickenham Stadium if they buy their ticket before 1 September  (Terms and conditions apply)