Latest Headlines
Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements from The Barbarians.
Shane Williams Plays At Wembley
[Published: Wednesday 12 November 2008]
World Player of the Year nominee Shane Williams and rising French star Francois Trinh-Duc are the latest additions to the Barbarians' squad for the London Olympic Centenary match against Australia at Wembley Stadium on 3 December.
As has been widely anticipated, Williams will line up with South Africa's Bryan Habana and All Black Joe Rococoko to give coaches Jake White and Eddie Jones a mouthwatering selection option in the wing positions for the historic first rugby union match at the revamped stadium.
Both the Welshman and Habana will be making their Barbarians' debuts while Rococoko has already tasted glory in the black and white shirt when helping the Baa-Baas beat South Africa at Twickenham a year ago.
Trinh-Duc burst onto the international stage as a member of France's Six Nations squad last season and joins a back division that also includes England's Ollie Smith.
Barbarian committeeman Mike Burton said, “Assembling such a star-studded squad from several countries would not have been possible without the approval and co-operation of national unions and individual provinces and clubs and we are grateful for the support we continue to receive.
“Many people in many different capacities recognise the role of the Barbarians in such high-profile fixtures and their encouragement is a huge fillip to all of us who are involved. It promises to be a great occasion in every respect.”
In the rugby final at the 1908 London Olympics, Australia beat a Great Britain side represented by Cornwall. On 3 December the Barbarians will take the unprecedented step of wearing the socks of the present-day Cornwall county side.
Barbarians' president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “One of our club traditions is that all our players wear the socks of their home clubs but on this occasion we think it appropriate that they wear those of Cornwall in recognition of the county's role at the 1908 Olympics.”
The contribution of Cornwall a century ago will be further recognised by the presentation of the Cornwall Cup to the winning captain at Wembley, with the players of the respective sides receiving gold or silver commemorative medals.
Micky Steele-Bodger added, “It is anticipated that the Cornwall Cup will eventually be presented to the president of the Cornwall RFU as a permanent reminder of the county's unique place in this centenary match,”
As well as being one hundred years since the Wallabies first toured and played 30 matches in the British Isles, next month's match marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Barbarians' inaugural fixture against a major touring side at Cardiff Arms Park in 1948 and will be the tenth time that the Barbarians have played the Wallabies.
Barbarians squad:
Backs - Percy Montgomery (SA), Bryan Habana (SA), Joe Rococoko (NZ), Shane Williams (Wales), Rico Gear (NZ), Jean de Villiers (SA), Ollie Smith (England), Francois Trinh-Duc (France), George Gregan (Australia), Fourie du Preez (SA)
Forwards - John Smit (SA), Mark Regan (England), Gurthro Steenkamp (SA), Carl Hayman (NZ), Patrice Collazo (France), Bakkies Botha (SA), Steve Borthwick (England), Chris Jack (NZ), Nick Koster (Western Province), Schalk Burger (SA), Jerry Collins (NZ), Richie McCaw (NZ)
Coach – Jake White
Assistant Coach – Eddie Jones
Tickets are still available for the match and are on general sale and can be purchased by calling the 24-hour Ticketmaster hotline on 0844 847 2500 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Ticket prices are as follows: £60, £45 and £30. Concessions are also available for over-60s and under-16s at £30, £22.50 and £15. Booking fees apply.
Combined Services 14 Barbarians 33
[Published: Wednesday 05 November 2008]
Combined Services 14 Barbarians 33
Brickfields, Plymouth - Tuesday 4 November 2008
The eleventh annual Remembrance Match lived up to its reputation for serving up delightful rugby as the Barbarians outscored the Combined Services by five tries to two.
There was no shortage of attacking back play from both sides with each providing a highlight of the evening with sparkling tries from respective left wingers Chris Czekaj and Josh Drauninui. The Welsh international's try five minutes before the end finally put daylight between the teams on the scoreboard as for the first time the Baa-Baas went two scores ahead. Another try in injury time, and the second of the match for Dougie Flockhart, was the icing on the cake.
The Barbarians had been first out of the blocks with a fourth minute try by impressive Portugal skipper, Vasco Uva, which Rhys Jones converted from the touchline. But the Services hit back immediately with some smart interpassing along the left flank before fly-half Matt Rhodes touched down and Dave Pascoe added the extras.
The breathtaking start continued and there was still barely 10 minutes on the clock when the lively Rhodri McAtee took full advantage of turnover ball to race 50 metres to the posts and Jones again converted the try.
The Services had a major strike weapon of their own in Drauninui and he raised the biggest cheer so far as he set off on a loping, meandering route to the line that left two would-be tacklers clutching thin air. Pascoe's second conversion locked the scores at 14-all at the interval. The story of the half had been one of territorial domination by the Baa-Baas but of a latent try-scoring threat from the opposition.
Surprisingly, the third quarter was pointless but on the hour the Barbarians cleverly kicked into open space from near their own line and Flockhart gathered the bouncing ball and finished off a length of the field piece of opportunism. Replacement fly-half Mark Davies converted and he repeated the medicine in the 75th minute after Czekaj's class shone through when he came off the blind-side wing and scythed through the outside centre channel for a try to satisfy the purists.
The Services were now visibly tiring and Flockhart's last gasp unconverted try provided a fitting climax to another hugely enjoyable event.
Barbarians: *D W Flockhart (Esher); R I McAtee (Cornish Pirates), T J Selley (Newport Gwent Dragons & Wales), *D P Mateus (Belelenenses & Portugal), *C D Czekaj (Cardiff Blues & Wales); *R Jones (Cornish Pirates), *W E P Runciman (Worcester Warriors); *A J Windo (Worcester Warriors), *J O Correia (Direito & Portugal), *R Hopkins (Plymouth Albion), *M W Hocken (Brussels Barbarians & Belgium), *C Gittins (Aberavon), *V Uva (Direito & Portugal), *K A Marriott (Plymouth Albion), D J Thomas, capt (Plymouth Albion)
Replacements: C C G Ritchie (Rosslyn Park) – Correia (55); *B Sturgess (Exeter Chiefs) – Windo (37); A B Brenton (Plymouth Albion) – Hocken (55); *J S Miller (Coventry) – Marriott (51); *R Bolt (Exeter Chiefs) – Runciman (55); M F Davies (Lydney) – Jones (37); W L Neethling (Plymouth Albion) – McAtee (40)
[* - denotes new Barbarian]
Tries – Flockhart 2 (60, 80+5), Uva (4), McAtee (10), Czekaj (75); Cons – Jones 2, Davies 2
Combined Services: M Roberts; A Satala, M Gittins, A Evans, J Drauninui; M Rhodes, D Pascoe, capt ; M Lewis, M Dwyer, C Budgen, M Cormack, B Hughes, A Tibbatts, J Kava, M Lee
Replacements: Leonard, R Scothern, D Ball, M Koroiyadi, A Vance, D Birkby, S Douglas
Tries: Rhodes (8), Drauninui (22); Cons – Pascoe 2
Referee: R Debney (RFU)
Seven Caps In Side To Take On Services
[Published: Thursday 30 October 2008]
Seven test players are included in the Barbarians' squad for the annual Remembrance Match against Combined Services at Brickfields Stadium, Plymouth on 4 November (kick-off 7.15pm).
Three members of Portugal's national team, including skipper Vasco Uva, are joined by three Welsh internationals from Cardiff Blues – Chris Czekaj, Rhys Williams and John Yapp.
New Zealand born Cambridge Blue Mat Hocken, who played for Belgium against the Barbarians last season, is also included in a squad that will be seeking its eighth win in 11 matches against the Services since 1997.
Club president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “The Remembrance Match is now established as an important part of our fixture calendar. It is a very special occasion for all of us as we appreciate the sacrifices being made by all our armed forces and it is very poignant to realise that every year there are players in the opposition team who only a few weeks earlier may have been involved in active service elsewhere in the world.”
Proceeds from the match will benefit the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. In addition, the Barbarians Rugby Trust will make a donation of £5,000 to the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.
The Barbarians will be coached by Rob Baxter of Exeter Chiefs, who played half-a-dozen times for the club and captained the side against Portugal in Lisbon in 2004.
Barbarians Squad:
(Backs) - Dougie Flockhart (Esher & Scotland A), Rhys Williams (Cardiff Blues & Wales), Rhodri McAtee (Cornish Pirates), Rhodri Gomer-Davies (Newport Gwent Dragons), Diogo Mateus (Belenenses & Portugal), Chris Czekaj (Cardiff Blues & Wales), Rhys Jones (Cornish Pirates), Mark Davies (Lydney), Will Runciman (Worcester Warriors), Richard Bolt (Exeter Chiefs)
(Forwards) – Joao Correia (Direito & Portugal), Chris Ritchie (Rosslyn Park), Tony Windo (Worcester Warriors), Brett Sturgess (Exeter Chiefs), John Yapp (Cardiff Blues & Wales), Mat Hocken (Brussels Barbarians & Belgium), Chris Gittins (Aberavon), Arthur Brenton (Plymouth Albion), Vasco Uva (Direito & Portugal), Danny Thomas (Plymouth Albion), Jamie Miller (Coventry), Kyle Marriott (Plymouth Albion)
Meanwhile, two former Barbarian players, Jason Leonard and Ian Metcalfe, have accepted invitations to join the club committee.
The full committee for 2008-09 is:
Micky Steele-Bodger (President)
Geoff Windsor-Lewis (Secretary)
Gordon H Brown (Treasurer)
Alan Evans (Registrar)
Zinzan Brooke
Mike Burton
John Jeffrey
Jason Leonard
Ian Metcalfe
Syd Millar
Phil Orr
Derek Quinnell
John Spencer
Gregan In Wembley Squad
[Published: Tuesday 07 October 2008]
The Barbarians' squad to play Australia in the London Olympic Centenary Match received another boost today when it was confirmed that George Gregan had been added to the squad.
The former Wallaby captain is still the world's most capped player with 117 tests and will join Springbok scrum-half Fourie du Preez in an enviable embarrassment of riches vying for the number 9 shirt in the starting line-up for what will be the first-ever rugby union showpiece at the new Wembley Stadium on 3 December.
The Barbarians' preparations ahead of the event received another boost with the news that Saracens' coach Eddie Jones had accepted an invitation to work alongside head coach Jake White for the match.
They will reprise their teamwork of a year ago when under White's direction they guided South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory.
On a flying visit to the UK this week White said, “The Barbarians are putting together a powerful squad of all the talents for this very special match. I have been impressed by the positive response from so many players world-wide and to have Eddie to assist me in the build-up is definitely an added bonus.”
Gregan, now with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan, is the latest superstar in a squad that already includes All Black captain Richie McCaw and his Springbok counterpart, John Smit, plus Jerry Collins, Carl Hayman and Joe Rokocoko from New Zealand, England's summer tour skipper Steve Borthwick, and South African World Cup winners Percy Montgomery, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger.
Barbarian president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “We have known from the outset that this Olympic celebration match would be another landmark occasion in the club's proud history. Fittingly, we are assembling a group of players and coaches which is as strong as any squad to have represented us in recent times.”
Tickets for Barbarians v Australia at Wembley Stadium are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or the 24-hour ticket hotline, 0844 847 2500.
Barbarians to play Scarlets
[Published: Wednesday 24 September 2008]
The Barbarians are to play the Scarlets in a special match to mark the official opening of Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli.
The club has accepted an invitation to take a star-studded line-up to Wales on Saturday 31 January 2009 to play in front of a bumper crowd at the new £23 million stadium.
The match will be part of a showcase event to officially open the 15,000 capacity new home of the Scarlets in front of a gathering of household names from the world of rugby and entertainment as well as high-profile members of the game's governing body, the WRU.
Stuart Gallacher, chief executive of the Scarlets, said: “We wanted to host a showcase match to mark the start of a new chapter in our history at Parc y Scarlets. We are absolutely delighted that the Barbarians have agreed to this fixture.
“It should be a thrilling match. The Barbarians are held in very high esteem and as we know, by their very nature they bring exciting, adventurous rugby to each game. We are hoping for a mix of some of the world’s top rugby players from both northern and southern hemispheres in what should be a great game of rugby and a memorable occasion.
“I know Nigel [Davies] and the squad are excited about the prospect – although they are very focused in their current campaign, it’s a high-profile additional fixture for the team in the new year which I know they’ll relish.
“We believe this will be a fitting way to celebrate our new home and to bring something extra special to our supporters and members this season to thank them for their continued commitment to our rugby region.”
Barbarians' president, Micky Steele-Bodger said: “The great figures of Llanelli rugby have had close associations with the Barbarians for many years. R H Williams and Phil Bennett still hold the record for the most Baa-Baas' appearances by Welshmen while Derek Quinnell is a former captain of distinction who now serves on our committee as well as being president of the Llanelli Association.
“I might also add that in 1970 the Scarlets' chief executive Stuart Gallacher was the first member of the Llanelli club to be invited to play for us against a major touring side, the Springboks, at Twickenham.
“We also have fond memories of two earlier fixtures in 1965, to open new accommodation at Stradey Park, and 1972 when we came to Llanelli to play a part in their centenary celebrations. So next January when we come back again we will be honoured to complete a unique treble.”
The Barbarians have confirmed today that their 22-man squad for the match will be coached by Welshman, Kingsley Jones. The composition of the squad will be announced in late December. Before that, the club takes part in another historic first, the inaugural rugby union match at the revamped Wembey Stadium. Their side to play in the Olympic Centenary Match against Australia on 3 December includes All Blacks Richie McCaw, Jerry Collins and Joe Rokocoko and Springbok World Cup winning skipper John Smit together with Jean de Villiers, Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger.
Scarlets v Barbarians on 31 January will kick-off at 2.30pm. Details of ticket prices and allocations for this ‘one-off’ occasion will be released by the region on its website www.scarlets.co.uk following the final game at Stradey Park on Friday 24 October 2008.
Barbarians Fixtures 2008/09:
4 November 2008 v Combined Services at Plymouth – Remembrance Match
3 December v Australia at Wembley Stadium – London Olympic Centenary
31 January 2009 v Scarlets at Llanelli – Parc y Scarlets Official Opening
18 March v Blackheath at Rectory Field - 150th Anniversary Match
7 April v Bedford Blues at Goldington Road – Mobbs Memorial Match
30/31 May v England at Twickenham
June 2009 Overseas Tour to be announced
White to coach galaxy of stars at Wembley
[Published: Tuesday 23 September 2008]
The club is pleased to confirm that former South African coach Jake White will be in charge of coaching the Barbarians' squad for the Olympic Centenary Match against Australia.
Invitations are currently being sent to top players in both the southern hemisphere and Europe.
We announce today that the following have accepted their invitations and will be in the 22-man squad:
Backs – Percy Montgomery (SA), Joe Rokocoko (NZ), Jean de Villiers (SA), Bryan Habana (SA), Fourie du Preez (SA)
Forwards – Carl Hayman (NZ), John Smit (SA), Bakkies Botha (SA), Steve Borthwick (England), Schalk Burger (SA), Richie McCaw (NZ), Jerry Collins (NZ)
Further names will be announced in the near future.
The Barbarians have an agreement with Premier Rugby for the release of several players to represent us in the match.
The Barbarian kit suppliers for the Olympic Centenary Match will be adidas
McCaw To Play At Wembley
[Published: Wednesday 17 September 2008]
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has accepted an invitation to play for the Barbarians in the Olympic Centenary Match against Australia at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 3 December.
Fresh from his triumphant leadership of the All Blacks in the 2008 Tri-Nations, McCaw will be joined by a host of global stars, many of whom will be announced later this week, in a Barbarians squad that will be coached by Jake White.
The invitation to Jake White, who guided South Africa to World Cup glory in 2007, reflects the importance of the event as the latest fixture in a long series of matches between the Barbarians and the Southern Hemisphere's super-powers in what will also be the climax of the Wallabies' six-match autumn tour.
Jake White said, “It is a wonderful privilege for me to be invited by the Barbarians and to be involved in this very special match in particular. I am very aware of the history and traditions of the club and have always endeavoured to push their values into my own coaching.
“Their great match against the All Blacks in 1973 and that try by Gareth Edwards was a true inspiration to us all. Not every coach receives the honour of being invited to coach the Barbarians and I am proud to accept and am looking forward to the whole occasion tremendously.”
Barbarians' president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “As well as these top quality players from overseas we also have an agreement with Premier Rugby in England for the release of several players to represent us in this match. Our invitations will not stop there and we are hopeful that top players from elsewhere in the British Isles will also be involved. We will have a truly international side to take on Australia.”
Last December the Barbarians beat South Africa 22-5 at Twickenham. This year's game celebrates the one-hundredth anniversary of the Olympic Games first being held in London in 1908. On that occasion, Australia won the gold medal in the rugby union competition when they defeated Great Britain 32-3 in the final at White City Stadium.
Now the new look Wembley is set to stage its first rugby union match. To add to a glittering event, at half-time there will be an Olympian parade featuring Great Britain's medal-winning stars from the Beijing Games.
Tickets for the Barbarians v Australia Olympic Centenary Match are now on general sale and can be purchased by calling the 24-hour Ticketmaster hotline on 0844 847 2500 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Ticket prices are as follows: £60, £45 and £30. Concessions are also available for over-60 and under-16 at £30, £22.50 and £15. Booking fees apply.
-
