FOUR of Toulon’s superstars have accepted invitations to play for the Barbarians in the Quilter Cup — including two of those who starred at Twickenham last season.
Wing Josua Tuisova and centre Malakai Fekitoa return to face an England XV after their devastating display in 2018 when they helped the famous invitation side to a record 63-45 win.
They will be joined by Wales and British & Irish Lions scrum half Rhys Webb and Fijian wing Filipo Nakosi — Tuisova’s brother — for the Quilter Cup match on June 2 (3.30pm).
The game is part of a historic double-header with the Barbarians’ women’s side taking on the Red Roses for the first time at 12.45pm.
Josua Tuisova cut England to pieces last season
Fiji wing Tuisova — a sevens gold medallist at the 2016 Olympics — was the stand-out performer against England last season.
He made 214 metres, seven clean breaks, beat eight defenders and offloaded four times as well as providing try assists for Chris Ashton, Greig Laidlaw and Victor Vito.
Fekitoa came off the bench to make a decisive contribution that day while Webb and Nakosi will be making their first appearances in the famous black and white jersey.
Webb has first-hand experience of Barbarians games having featured for Wales in their 30-21 win over the Baa-baas in 2012.
“We’re delighted to have players of such high quality available for what promises to be another extremely competitive game,” said Barbarians chairman John Spencer.
“Last year’s side produced a record-breaking attacking display and with the Barbarians women’s side also in action against the Red Roses June 2 promises to be another historic day for the club.”
Tickets are from £20 for adults and £10 for children and can be bought from englandrugby.com/tickets