Scotland scrum half Greig Laidlaw will bring his Calcutta Cup winning expertise into the Barbarians camp as they prepare to take on England.
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Greig Laidlaw brings Calcutta Cup winning know-how to Barbarians squad
Laidlaw will join the famous invitation club's squad later this month to prepare for the Quilter Cup match at Twickenham on Sunday, May 27.
He enjoyed a first win over England in his 63-cap career this year – a landmark 25-13 victory at Murrayfield he describes as "a very special day”.
The Scots haven’t toasted a victory at Twickenham in 35 years (when his uncle Roy was wearing the No.9 shirt) but Laidlaw will bring his Six Nations knowhow to the party as the Baabaas chase a first win over England since 2014.
“Scotland have played some really dangerous rugby recently, and it all came together against England,” said Laidlaw.
"It was a very special day for a Scotsman. It’s the oldest international fixture in the world and to get hold of the Calcutta Cup is one of the best memories of my career.
“England will be strong against the Barbarians. They've got a good team and against the Baa-baas will probably be taking a look at a few players, so they’ll be really hungry to impress Eddie Jones.
“But you’ve got to back yourselves. England have a very good defences but with Scotland we decided to take it on.
"The coaches came up with a couple of good ideas to stretch their defence, create some line-breaks, and when you do that you have a chance. I hope I have a couple of ideas I can bring to help the Barbarians do that."
Laidlaw in World Cup action against Australia. Photo: Matt Impey @WiredPhotos
Laidlaw returns to the Barbarians fold 12 years after making his first two appearances for the club. He was a 20 year-old rookie when he made his debut in a 31-10 win against the Royal Navy. He relished playing alongside the great South African forward Bobby Skinstad that day.
Against England, he will have the likes of superstar full back Charles Piutau alongside him with more players to be named shortly.
"I’d always thought the way the Barbarians play the game is great – and it was great to have played in those games,” Laidlaw added. "Now I’m looking forward to playing in a much bigger arena against England.
“The Barbarians stands for everything that's exciting about rugby’s values – you come together, have lots of fun and go out to play the best rugby you possibly can.”
Tickets for the Quilter Cup match between England and the Barbarians start at £25 for adults, £10 for children and are available at www.englandrugby.com/tickets
