Barbarian F.C President John Spencer has a CV to rival anyone in the world game.
From the pitch to boardroom, to the teamroom, Spencer has been at the heart of international rugby for decades.
He knows what makes the game tick, what drives the passion and emotion in the sport we all love.
Whilst in Cape Town for the recent clash against the World Champions South Africa, Spencer spoke passionately to the Daily Mail on why the Barbarians matter in the professional era and how it must continue to be a force in the game.
The full article can be read here: Daily Mail John Spencer article
‘We can’t allow traditional touring to die,’ said Spencer
‘It does feel like we’re being squeezed and it can be difficult. You do get clubs who won’t release their players, mainly out of fear of injury.
‘But what would you rather watch? The Lions or the Barbarians or another club game?
‘It is more difficult now, but that’s part of the challenge. We embrace that.
‘It’s been a fantastic privilege for me to be involved so heavily in both the Lions and Barbarians. At my age now, I’m fortunate to have such great memories.
‘The Barbarians and Lions are similar institutions – neither has a clubhouse nor a pitch. They rely on invitations and you play where you’re accepted to play.
‘Both are teams full of different nations. Rugby creates memories, friendships and enjoyment. Those are the core values we try and impress on our players. In our first team meeting this week, we all had to introduce ourselves.
‘Sam Whitelock was sitting quietly at the back. He introduced himself as the water boy. It takes a certain humility to do that.
‘Like the Lions, these tours are an opportunity to form lifelong friendships. Being a Barbarian is a way of life. We play for enjoyment and allow the players to express themselves on the field. People think we tell our players not to kick the ball and to play expansively.
‘We never do that. We just let the players put the jersey on and trust them to play, relying on each other’s ability. At least we don’t have the world championships of box kicking in our matches. They’re never boring.
‘Players come to me regularly and say the Barbarians is the greatest experience of their rugby lives. This week I’ve been talking to players like Sam Cane, Peter and Cian.
‘They’ve said they’ve had their interest in rugby rejuvenated and been reminded of the reason why they first took up the game.
‘That’s incredibly special.
‘When the players here in South Africa this week see each other in future years, they’ll only have to nod at each other and they’ll remember playing together for the Barbarians,’ Spencer says.
‘There is a strength in the handshake of Barbarians players that will last a lifetime. I have great memories of the Lions and the Barbarians.
‘But I also have sad ones too as, unfortunately, a lot of my colleagues have now sadly passed away like Ian ‘Mighty Mouse’ McLauchlan.
‘The Barbarians, don’t forget, also represent the community game. Both us and the Lions have a very important role to play in modern rugby.’
