The Barbarians will run out against the Flying Fijians at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday with a matchday 23 boasting 968 international caps between them.
Barbarian F.C. have named their starting line-up for the Club’s Killik Cup fixture against Fiji tomorrow, with Sam Whitelock leading out the side at Twickenham Stadium (kick-off: 5.15pm).
Head coach Robbie Deans has a squad packed full of international pedigree at his disposal for the clash against the Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists, with the BaaBaas’ matchday 23 boasting 968 Test caps between them.
Whitelock, New Zealand’s all-time record appearance maker, captains the Barbarians and starts in the second row alongside England international David Ribbans.
Australia’s Scott Sio and England’s Kyle Sinckler line up either side of hooker Harry Thacker in the front row, while Saitama Wild Knights duo Jack Cornelsen and Lachlan Boshier are selected in the flanker berths and Zach Mercer completes the pack at No.8.
Crusaders fly-half Fergus Burke wears the No.10 jersey for the BaaBaas, with England centurion Danny Care selected inside him at scrum-half.
French duo Gael Fickou and Virimi Vakatawa form a formidable partnership in the Barbarians’ midfield, while the running threats continue outside them as Jonny May and Leicester Fainga’anuku (England and New Zealand internationals respectively) start on the wings, with Chay Fihaki rounding off the line-up at fullback.
The BaaBaas can also call on a bench packed with pedigree, with the likes of Ben Youngs, Shota Horie, Jonathan Joseph, and Cameron Woki all primed to make an impact from amongst the replacements.
“This has been a fantastic group of players to coach,” said Deans. “We’ve picked a side which blends experience at the very highest level with players at the front end of their careers who are relishing the opportunity to play alongside some legends of the game and show what they can do in front of a huge crowd at Twickenham.
“We’ve approached this match as all Barbarians teams do – with a focus on fun, enjoyment and connection within our group.
“The players have trained really well and made friendships this week to last a lifetime. We’re ready to put some exciting rugby onto the pitch tomorrow against a top-class Fiji side.”
Over 65,000 people have already secured their seats for the blockbuster match, which kicks off at 5.15pm on Saturday afternoon at Twickenham. Tickets are still available from from Ticketmaster and the RFU and also include entry to the Qatar Airways Cup showdown between South Africa and Wales. The two international heavyweights go toe-to-toe at 2.00pm, ahead of Barbarians vs Fiji.
Barbarian F.C. is also delighted to welcome Luke Mortimer, aged 11, to the squad on Saturday as our official mascot for the Killik Cup.
“Luke’s passion for our sport has endured despite a terrible meningitis diagnosis which has caused him to have both of his hands and feet amputated,” said Barbarian F.C. President, John Spencer.
“We’re honoured to be supporting him via the Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust, and hope he relishes tomorrow’s occasion as our mascot.”
BARBARIAN F.C. STARTING LINE-UP VS FIJI
15 Chay Fihaki (Crusaders)
14 Leicester Fainga’anuku (RC Toulon, New Zealand)
13 Virimi Vakatawa* (Bristol Bears, France)
12 Gael Fickou (Racing 92, France)
11 Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, England)
10 Fergus Burke (Crusaders)
9 Danny Care (Harlequins, England)
1 Scott Sio (Exeter Chiefs, Australia)
2 Harry Thacker* (Bristol Bears)
3 Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, England, British & Irish Lions)
4 David Ribbans (RC Toulon, England)
5 Sam Whitelock (Section Paloise, New Zealand) – captain
6 Jack Cornelsen (Saitama Wild Knights, Japan)
7 Lachlan Boshier (Saitama Wild Knights)
8 Zach Mercer* (Gloucester Rugby, England)
Replacements:
16 Shota Horie (Saitama Wild Knights, Japan)
17 Craig Millar* (Saitama Wild Knights, Japan)
18 Kieran Brookes (RC Toulon, England)
19 Fabian Holland (Highlanders)
20 Liam Mitchell (Saitama Wild Knights)
21 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, England, British & Irish Lions)
22 Jonathan Joseph (Biarritz Olympique, England)
23 Cameron Woki (Racing 92, France)
*denotes players who have previously represented Barbarian F.C.
General admission tickets for the 2024 Killik Cup and Qatar Airways Cup matches are on sale – click here to book your seat now. Tickets will also available to purchase on matchday at Twickenham.
Each ticket will cover entry for both South Africa vs Wales (K.O. 2pm) and Barbarians vs Fiji (K.O. 5.15pm) on Saturday 22 June.
For a 10% discount on groups of 10 or more, please visit www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/events. Hospitality packages are also available now, starting from £179 per person – visit www.twickenhamstadium.com to purchase now.