Three more international stars will join up with Barbarian F.C. ahead of the Killik Cup against All Blacks XV on Sunday 13 November.
England’s Joe Marchant, Ireland’s John Ryan and France’s Teddy Thomas are set to run out for the famous invitational Club to take on a New Zealand side packed with high-profile names.
Harlequins’ Joe Marchant – who has made 13 appearances in England shirt – makes his Barbarians debut and will know what to expect after facing the Black and White for an England XV in 2019. The versatile centre – who has also figured in every back-line position – will bring his effortless playing style to the Barbarians squad and light up the pitch with his lethal finishes.
Prop John Ryan – who is returning to Munster from Wasps – will stop off in London en route back to Ireland to join the Barbarians, fulfilling a career dream. The 24-capped Corkman, who has also made nearly 200 appearances for Munster, is an experience and quality scrummager with a huge desire to win and will be an asset to the front row.
The last of today’s confirmed players, Teddy Thomas, will be joining his Stade Rochelais Head Coach Ronan O’Gara in the Barbarians, after moving to Les Maritimes from Top 14 rivals Racing 92. The French back, who has 28 caps and 75 points to his name, is a proven try-scorer and key part of Fabien Galthié’s French squad.
Popular loosehead prop Joe Marler is another huge name to make his return to the Black and White, alongside Zach Mercer (England and Montpellier), George Bridge (New Zealand and Crusaders), Camille Chat (France and Racing 92) and Josua Tuisova (Fiji and Lyon), with more big names from the world of rugby to be announced in the coming days.
Super Rugby champions Crusaders’ Head Coach Scott “Razor” Robertson and Stade Rochelais’ Heineken Champions Cup winning Head Coach Ronan O’Gara are heading up the coaching team for the Killik Cup.
As the Barbarians squad takes shape, the Killik Cup is set to be a classic encounter. The star players already named – with many more to be announced in the coming days – will meet up in London in the week ahead of the match for preparations and, of course, to enjoy the social element of rugby that is central to the Barbarians’ ethos.
The exceptionally talented group will dazzle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and showcase the Barbarians’ trademark skill, flair and passion. Tickets are available now and selling fast for what will be one of the highlights of the Autumn window: a Sunday afternoon packed full of entertaining rugby, big names and great rivalries in a world-class setting don’t miss out on what will be.
Battling for the Killik Cup, the Barbarians will go up against a very strong All Blacks XV team, with Auckland and Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu to captaining the side alongside a host of well-known names. The visiting side also includes eight players with Test experience including Tuipulotu, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Asafo Aumua, Luke Jacobson, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber, and Damian McKenzie.
Bryn Gatland, the son of previous Barbarians Head Coach Warren Gatland, is also included alongside the nephew of Barbarians legend Pat Lam, AJ Lam.
The All Blacks XV follows in the footsteps of similar teams which have assembled throughout New Zealand rugby's history, and adds a new element to the New Zealand Rugby set-up, representing a development opportunity for future All Blacks - as well as a chance for current players to make their case for All Blacks selection or recall.
Tickets are available from £40* for adults and £25* for children. Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk/barbarians to get your tickets now.
For all hospitality premium packages, go to www.tottenhamhotspur.com for more information.
* Booking Fees Apply