Eddie Jones’ England could see some very familiar faces lining up against them when the Barbarians take on the Rugby World Cup runners-up at Twickenham on Sunday 19 June (tickets available now).
Danny Care is hoping to join up with the famous Black and White – as long as Premiership side Harlequins are out of the running for the Gallagher Premiership Final – and will line up opposite Quins teammate Marcus Smith.
Meanwhile, former England and Saracens lock George Kruis is looking to return from Japan side Panasonic Wild Knights to end his career in style at HQ – potentially to face former teammates such as Jamie George, Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje amongst other hoping to get a run-out with England ahead of their tour to Australia.
John Spencer, President of Barbarian F.C., said: “Barbarians recruitment is well underway and we are thrilled to be talking to a number of very exciting players. Our aim is always to bring together a side of international stars who want to play their hearts out for the Barbarians.
“And after seeing what our Head Coach Fabien Galthie has brought out of the French side over the last year, we know our Barbarians squad will be lighting up the pitch at HQ. It will be a real feast of rugby for fans, reigniting old rivalries and sending off both English and French internationals on their respective Summer Tours in style.”
The Barbarians will have a strong French representation, with the coaching team of France’s defence coach Shaun Edwards, forwards coaches William Servat and Karim Ghezal, Director of Performance Thibault Giroud and attack coach Laurent Labit joining Galthie.
With Care and Kruis looking to join a variety of world-class players widely tipped to be joining the Barbarians squad, further names of those due to light up Twickenham in June will be confirmed and announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets can be purchased via eticketing.co.uk/RFU.