The Barbarians and World XV have announced blockbuster squads brimming with international talent ahead of next Sunday’s match at Twickenham.
The Killik Cup will be on the line as two of the most decorated coaches in world rugby, Eddie Jones (Barbarians) and Steve Hansen (World XV), go toe-to-toe.
Each squad is jam-packed with world-class talent, with internationals from England, Wales, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, Australia, Tonga, Japan, Scotland, Fiji and Italy all involved for the clash at HQ.
The sides contain a total of 1,286 international caps between them – with 650 for the Barbarians and 636 for the World XV – as well as Rugby World Cup winners, British & Irish Lions tourists, and several returning Barbarians.
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Box office talent
Indeed, the Barbarians squad includes the likes of Taulupe Faletau, Alun Wyn Jones, Steven Luatua, Quade Cooper, Aaron Cruden, Samu Kerevi and Adam Radwan.
Meanwhile, the World XV selection sees Michele Lamaro, Viliame Mata, Sebastian Negri, Israel Folau, Marika Koroibete, Ngani Laumape, Charles Piutau and Semi Radradra named.
“It’s an incredible honour to be asked to coach the Barbarians for a second time,” said Jones ahead of the game.
“I am very much looking forward to returning to Twickenham Stadium – a venue I have so many fond memories of – as head coach of the Barbarians, and I’m more motivated than ever to put on a show.
“Going up against Steve rekindles a great rivalry which first started in our days competing in Super Rugby and progressed into the international arena. It’ll be a great challenge and one we’re both relishing.”
The fixture against the World XV marks the first return to Twickenham for the Barbarians since a stunning 52-21 victory over England in June 2022. They then retained the Killik Cup in November, courtesy of a 35-31 win over an All Blacks XV in front of 35,000 people at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Festival atmosphere
Hansen added: “I’m really excited to be returning to Twickenham. I’ve coached both for and against the Barbarians during my career, and while you always have to expect the unexpected where they are concerned.
“You can be certain we’ll have a hugely entertaining match played in a festival atmosphere.”
Further team updates will follow in the coming days, with one player expected to be added to each squad ahead of the mouth-watering game on May 28.
Barbarians squad
Forwards: Nic Dolly, Taulupe Faletau, Alun Wyn Jones, Stephan Lewies, Steven Luatua, Enrique Pieretto, Carlu Sadie, Rob Simmons, Harry Thacker, Sione Vailanu, Aaron Wainwright, Alex Waller, Tom West, Hiroki Yamamoto
Backs: Gareth Anscombe, Quade Cooper, Aaron Cruden, Francois Hougaard, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Li, Jack Maunder, Adam Radwan, Seta Tamanivalu
World XV squad
Forwards: Fraser Brown, Niccolo Cannone, Elliot Dee, Allan Dell, Harry Hockings, Wyn Jones, Oli Kebble, Michele Lamaro, Viliame Mata, Sebastian Negri, Api Ratuniyarawa, Marcus Street, TBC
Backs: Bryn Hall, Adam Hastings, Israel Folau, Marika Koroibete, Ngani Laumape, Sbu Nkosi, Rhys Patchell, Nick Phipps, Charles Piutau, Semi Radradra