Mathieu Bastareud has form with the Barbarians. The former Toulon centre, capped 54 times by France, played for the invitational side twice in 2011 in a last-gasp 38-32 win over England at Twickenham and a 31-28 victory against Wales in Cardiff that was decided equally late on.

The France centre will be back in the famous black and white hoops at Twickenham on November 16 when the Baa-baas take on Fiji in the Killik Cup match.

It’s the first leg of a tour that sees the world famous invitation club head for Brazil and then take on Wales in a men’s and women’s double header in Cardiff on November 30.

“It was a huge honour to play for the Barbarians,” said Bastareaud. “I learnt about the history, culture and tradition of the Baa-Baas and I embraced the experience.

“In both matches we turned the score around right at the end. It was incredible and the crowd must have loved the entertainment.”

Mathieu Bastareaud

Bastareaud in action against England for the Barbarians in 2011

Bastareaud will be part of a side at Twickenham coached by England boss Eddie Jones alongside some of the stars of the Rugby World Cup.

With Barbarians v Fiji being the only international match at the 82,000 capacity Home of English Rugby this autumn, Bastareaud’s excitement for the occasion is palpable.  

“It is going to be an incredible experience to go again,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “Eddie Jones is one of the greatest coaches in world rugby and I can’t wait to play for him. I’m delighted to be back with the Barbarians.

“I was so happy when I got the call. I will love the experience because it is all about enjoying rugby. You can play without the great pressure that you feel at club and international level.”

The South Africa duo of prop Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira and scrum-half Herschel Jantijies will also be in the Barbarians squad and more big names from the Rugby World Cup are expected to commit to playing in the coming weeks.

Bastareaud also has first-hand experience of how good Fiji can be. The 19-stone centre was in the France side beaten 21-14 by them at the Stade de France in November 2018 – the first time the Pacific Islanders had defeated Les Bleus.

mathieu bastareaud

Bastareaud appered against Fiji for France last season

“You have to prepare well when you play Fiji – and run a lot,” laughs Bastareaud. “They are not afraid to play from anywhere on the pitch. That makes them entertaining for the crowd, but for opponents it also means it is hard to know what to expect.

“The Fijian players are very determined and the team are now more structured than they ever have been before. I will never forget how they came to Paris and won last year. 

“There are some excellent players – I played with Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra at Toulon. They are not only a very dangerous team and beautiful to watch.”

With a bumper crowd of over 50,000 expected, the match will provide a perfect opportunity for fans of all ages to experience top-class international action.

Get tickets for Barbarians v Fiji at Twickenham on November 16. Adults from £20 – Kids £15. Visit ticketmaster.co.uk to purchase your tickets.