Few fixtures in world rugby capture the imagination quite like a meeting between Wales and the Barbarians. One represents the passion of a nation; the other, the spirit of the game itself. When they come together, history is written in tries, artistry, and unforgettable moments.
As we look ahead to June’s highly anticipated clash, we revisit a rivalry that has delivered some of rugby’s most iconic spectacles.
Tickets for Barbarians v Wales Double Header – Allianz Stadium – Twickenham 27 June are available via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £40* for adults and £20* for under-16s. Hospitality packages are also available from £179+VAT PP, visit www.allianzstadiumtwickenham.com
Classic Encounters That Defined the Relationship
1978 – A Festival of Rugby
The late 1970s marked a golden era for Welsh rugby—and for the Barbarians. When these sides met, it wasn’t just a contest; it was a showcase of some of the greatest players ever to grace the game.
Names like Phil Bennett and Gareth Edwards epitomised the free-flowing style both teams embraced. Matches were high-scoring, fiercely contested, and played with an attacking ambition rarely seen elsewhere.
1990 – Tradition Meets Modern Rugby
As rugby moved toward the professional era, the Barbarians remained true to their roots. Their encounters with Wales in the late 20th century became symbolic—a meeting of tradition and the evolving modern game.
These matches continued to deliver attacking rugby, with both sides willing to take risks that delighted fans and preserved the Barbarians’ legacy.
2019 – A Modern Classic
More recently, the 2019 encounter reaffirmed why this fixture remains so special. Played in front of a packed Cardiff crowd, the match combined elite athleticism with the Barbarians’ trademark creativity.
The game showcased the modern evolution of rugby—power, pace, and precision—without losing the sense of fun and unpredictability that defines the Barbarians.
2023 – The Most Recent Outing
The most recent outing was again staged in the heart of Cardiff and saw the home side come out victorious 49-26. The match was yet again a thrilling encounter. International great, Alun Wyn Jones marked his final match of rugby at the home of Welsh rugby, scoring a try as he did so, bringing the curtain down on the career of the world’s most capped international.
Highlights from that encounter can be found on the WRU YouTube Account
2026 Edition:
This June will see the next instalment of the club’s history with Wales
Tickets for Barbarians v Wales Double Header – Allianz Stadium – Twickenham 27 June are available via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £40* for adults and £20* for under-16s. Hospitality packages are also available from £179+VAT PP, visit www.allianzstadiumtwickenham.com
