Samoa’s rugby clash against the Barbarians for the Killik Cup at Twickenham on Saturday 27 November will be from a selected team to take the field drawn from both coaches and Samoan players based mainly in Europe, with extra firepower from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the USA.

The Barbarian’s fixture is the only match to be played from the recently cancelled tour of Europe due to Covid-19 implications. The trip to the Northern Hemispher proved too difficult for some management and squad of players from the Southern Hemisphere, with health and safety of everyone being prioritized especially upon returning home - however Barbarians FC are thrilled to welcome a representative side to HQ.

An overseas based Coaching and Management team has been selected, and Head Coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua is confident with the selected coaching group. 

"I am very pleased to be able to call on the services of coaches that are plying their trade overseas and have an intimate knowledge of the Manu Samoa environment,” said Vaovasamanaia. 

“The challenges the pandemic has given us have also created opportunities for me to grow our people in these key roles and to make sure that we are able to get our Manu Samoa on the field, as well as launch our new partnership with apparel sponsor Castore,” he added. 

“Given the nature of the Barbarians, this should prove to be a highly entertaining game and a fantastic opportunity to round off the Autumn Internationals in style." 

The selected Coaching team members are made up of former Manu Samoa stars: 

The Co-Coaches are Lemalu Tusiata Pisi, currently coaching at the Toyota Shokki in Japan, and Census Johnston with Racing 92 in France.

The Assistant Coaches are Kane Thompson who coaches at NOLA Gold - USA (MLR), and Terry Fanolua who previously coached at Gloucester RFC.

The Team Manager is Niuafolau Faautu Talapusi, who has extensive experience with Lakapi Samoa and currently residing in London.

The Manu Samoa players selected for the match will soon be announced, with tickets to the exciting Killik Cup double header selling fast. 

Nearly 45,000 tickets have already been sold for the Barbarians’ November fixtures, which features the first-ever Barbarians' "home" double header.

Barbarian Women will take on a Springbok Women’s XV following the men’s match at 5.15pm and ticket prices include both matches. Secure your seats now and be part of the action from *£35 for adults and kids *£15. Visit: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/barbarians

(*Booking fees apply).