Barbarians announce big names for upcoming tests

With the recent devastating news that has come out regarding Worcester and Wasps, it’s about time we had something to celebrate.

When it comes to celebrating rugby in its purest form, there’re very few that do it better than the Barbarians. With their flamboyant and exciting playing style, there’s much to be joyous about as they take to the field in their classic black and white strip.

It’s always a festival atmosphere when the Baa Baa’s come to town, and with 4 games lined up in 13 days, you can bet they’ll be partying for the full duration. As teams are looking to fill  Worcester/Wasps shaped holes in their fixture lists, the Barbarians have duly obliged.

The fixture list is as follows:

Not only have they provided the matchups, but they’re bringing some serious talent with them too.

Former Bath and England back-rower Zack Mercer has joined the fold. The current Montpellier player is thought by many to be one of the finest Number 8’s in the world, and will look to take full advantage of his opportunity in the Baa Baa’s shirt to showcase his ability.

Camille Chat (AKA The Neck) will be taking his place at Hooker to provide some real experience and strength in that front row.

Former New Zealand winger George Bridge has been included, and will no doubt relish the chance to perform against his country. The flying winger was once an up-and-coming superstar in his national side, achieving 12 tries in just 19 matches before being dropped from the All Blacks. Bridge has turned out for the Barbarians on occasions before, most notably when he notched 2 tries down against New Zealand in  2017.

Another name recognisable to many is Josua Tuisova, the Fijian centre. Tuisova is nicknamed the “Human Bulldozer” or “The Bus” due to his powerful frame and can be utilised just as well on the wing.

NEWS UPDATE 🧾🧵 5/6

Do we have any players? We do. They’re awesome. @Mercer8Zach
Camille Chat
George Bridge
Josua Tuisova

🤩🤩🤩

And yes, we need 19 more 😂

And two coaches:
Ronan O’Gara
Scott Robertson

🤩🤩🤩#Baabaas #rugby #KillikCup

— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) October 18, 2022

A Barbarians statement reads:

“Barbarian FC have announced three global stars of rugby – George Bridge, Camille Chat and Josua Tuisova – will be joining the squad in London ahead of the Killik Cup against All Blacks XV on Sunday, November 13. The Barbarians are also set to play a number of domestic fixtures following the disruption to the Gallagher Premiership calendar.

“The famous invitational side has appointed Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara to lead them for the Killik Cup, with England and Montpellier star Zach Mercer already named in the squad and more players to be announced in the coming days.

“Joining Mercer in the Barbarians squad are three huge names in the world of rugby: New Zealand’s George Bridge, France’s Camille Chat and Fiji’s Josua Tuisova. Crusader Bridge, who will soon be heading to Mercer’s club Montpellier in France, already has a Barbarians appearance alongside his 18 caps for the All Blacks, turning out against England in 2017.

“Camille Chat joins the squad from French Top 14 side Racing 92 where he has made 144 appearances since joining the side in 2015. The hooker has 33 caps for France and will be making his Barbarians debut.

“Another power player joining the Barbarians is flying Fijian winger Josua Tuisova. Currently playing for Lyon in the Top 14, Tuisova has 19 caps for Fiji and an Olympic gold medal to his name as part of Fiji’s Olympic 7s winning team at Rio 2016, the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.”