Robbie Deans is hoping to inspire the next generation when the Barbarian F.C. men and women take on Wales in a double-header at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
The former Crusaders and Australia head coach is leading the Baa-Baas alongside Scott Robertson this week and has long-standing affinity with the famous invitational club.
Watching the Barbarians against New Zealand, with the likes of Sir Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett, Mike Gibson, Willie John McBride and JPR Williams within the ranks caught the imagination of a young Deans in 1973.
An unforgettable encounter at the National Stadium in Cardiff. The Greatest Try.
It inspired his playing career, which saw him win five All Black caps, and he has since coached the Baa-Baas against his homeland.
Now preparing to face Wales at Twickenham, Deans is relishing the occasion and has pointed to the novelty of the Barbarians and the important role they still have to play within the professional era.
He said: “The first thing I’ll say is it’s still relevant because it’s unique and it captures all the elements of the game that are great. It’s a game for all nationalities, all body types.
“It’s played for the right reasons and it’s a celebration of everything that’s good about rugby.
“We’ve got a great group this week, a real mix and they all bring their own personalities. They’re here for such a short time, we want it to be an experience that they enjoy and we want them to express what they can do and inspire.
“Ideally, the end in mind would be to inspire the next generation which, to be fair, is what happened in my playing career.
“In 1973 I watched a club member play in the fixture, and it just stuck in my mind. If he can do that, maybe I can do that. I’d love to have that opportunity.”
Deans and Robertson have named a Barbarians team with 19 internationals from 11 different nations for the first of Saturday’s double-header.
It includes the likes of double World Cup winners Vincent Koch and Faf de Flerk, who leads the Baa-Baas, a core of French internationals and outside backs George North and Andrew Kellaway, who will bow out of the game.
Tickets for Barbarians v Wales Double Header – Allianz Stadium – Twickenham 27 June are available via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £20* for adults and £10* for under-16s. Hospitality packages are also available from £179+VAT PP, visit www.allianzstadiumtwickenham.com *Booking fees apply
