Barbarian F.C. has added three domestic fixtures to the November calendar following the Killik Cup against All Blacks XV on Sunday 13 November (tickets available now).
The Barbarians will also play Harlequins under lights at The Stoop on Thursday 17 November, Bath Rugby at The Rec on Saturday 20 November and Northampton Saints at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday 26 November.
The famous invitational side has appointed Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara to lead the Black and White for the Killik Cup, with four global stars already named in the squad and more players to be announced in the coming days.
England and Montpellier’s Zach Mercer – recently named Top 14’s Player of the Year – returns to England to run out in the famous Black and White. Joining Mercer in the Barbarians squad are three more huge names in the world of rugby: New Zealand’s George Bridge, France’s Camille Chat and Fiji’s Josua Tuisova.
The Barbarians’ first fixture – the Killik Cup – will be against a very strong All Blacks XV team, with Auckland and Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu to captaining the side alongside a host of well-known names. The visiting side also includes eight players with Test experience including Tuipulotu, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Asafo Aumua, Luke Jacobson, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber, and Damian McKenzie.
Bryn Gatland, the son of previous Barbarians Head Coach Warren Gatland, is also included alongside the nephew of Barbarians legend Pat Lam, AJ Lam.
The All Blacks XV follows in the footsteps of similar teams which have assembled throughout New Zealand rugby’s history, and adds a new element to the New Zealand Rugby set-up, representing a development opportunity for future All Blacks – as well as a chance for current players to make their case for All Blacks selection or recall.
Following this fixture, the Barbarians will head to The Stoop on Thursday 17 November to play a first match against Harlequins under ‘Thursday Night Lights’.
Harlequins Head Coach Tabai Matson said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the BaaBaas to The Stoop. I think if you talk about the great entertainers of the sport, the Barbarians are right at the top end of that list. First of all, it’s a huge privilege for the Club to be able to host such a prestigious side, but it’s also a fantastic challenge for us as a team. We will be going at this with a strong Harlequins team on a weekend that also sees our current Premiership Cup squad travel to Sale. We know that they are bringing an incredibly strong team too and so this promises to be an outstanding match and a real test for our players.”
Barbarians Head Coach Scott Robertson said: “We are thrilled to be bringing the Barbarians to The Stoop. We are building a very strong side and are looking forward to announcing some star names in the coming days. We will showcase the Barbarians’ signature style of flair and passion in what will be an electrifying match against an exciting Harlequins team. It promises to be a very special evening.”
The following weekend, the Blue, Black and White will host the BaaBaas for the first time in the professional era on Sunday 20 November.
This exciting fixture replaces Bath’s Round 26 Gallagher Premiership match against Worcester Warriors, scheduled for Saturday 6 May 2023 – which is subsequently the date of King Charles III’s coronation.
Bath Rugby Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald said: “This match presents an incredible opportunity for our supporters to see their club go up against one of the most famous and entertaining sides in rugby, and we are hugely excited to confirm this fixture.”
He added: “With our previously scheduled match against Worcester Warriors now cancelled, it was critical we responded quickly to bring top-class opposition to The Rec as a replacement for our supporters.
“We are very grateful to the Barbarians for their support in organising the match at short notice. I’m sure our supporters will be equally as excited about the game as are our players and coaches.”
The Barbarians will then visit the cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens to face the Black, Green and Gold on Saturday 26 November.
Barbarians F.C. President, John Spencer, said: “This will be our first visit to Franklin’s Gardens since 2007, and the first time we have ever faced Saints on the pitch, which is incredibly exciting for everyone at the Barbarians. It is indeed a privilege to be invited to face the Black, Green and Gold.”
Northampton Saints Chief Executive Mark Darbon added: “The Barbarians are rugby’s version of the Harlem Globetrotters, wowing their crowds whenever they play, so we are absolutely thrilled to confirm this historic fixture for next month.
“I’m sure all our supporters will agree that watching the BaaBaas in Northampton is an incredible opportunity, and we are grateful to everyone at Barbarian F.C. for their support in organising the match at short notice. We’re looking forward to playing our part in creating a fantastic spectacle at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.”
The Barbarians Autumn Tour guarantees four sensational matches, with players in the famous Black and White bringing the BaaBaas’ trademark flair and style to four iconic venues against four iconic sides.
Spencer added: “We’re well into the process of assembling a powerful and exciting squad for our November matches, with Zach Mercer, George Bridge, Camille Chat and Josua Tuisova confirmed. As ever, we are very confident of bringing together a group of exceptionally talented players who will dazzle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, The Stoop, The Rec and cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens with our world-famous BaaBaas skill, flair and passion.”