Bernie becomes a Baa-Baa
Tue, 20 May 2008 14:21
Australia's Stephen Larkham, with 102 Test caps for the Wallabies, and former Test skipper Gareth Thomas, with 103 internationals for Wales and the British Isles, are among the 30 players from nine nations that set out on the Barbarians' tour later this week.
The tour begins with another pioneering trip across the Channel to Brussels to play Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium on Saturday. It will be the 21st country visited by the Barbarians and follows on from recent tours to Portugal, Georgia, Tunisia and Spain.
The squad returns to the UK to play Ireland at Gloucester on Tuesday, May 27 and then the final game, the Gartmore Challenge against England at Twickenham on Sunday, June 1.
Thomas and Larkham are both new Barbarians and club President Micky Steele-Bodger is delighted to welcome them on board.
"Given the crowded international calendar these days we sometimes have to wait a while before inviting influential test stars to represent the club," said Steele-Bodger.
"It is a particular pleasure to have them with us this year and we are confident that they will enjoy the experience.
"Like England and Ireland, we have had to cut our selection cloth in line with the European commitments of other clubs this weekend.
"However, we are delighted that players from Bath and Worcester, for instance, will be joining us in time for the second and third fixtures.
"Indeed, we are most appreciative of the co-operation we have received from a host of clubs across the board in making players available this year," he added.
The Barbarians have also invited back three of the pack who shared in the famous win over South Africa six months ago - Justin Harrison, Federico Pucciarello and Mark Regan.
Several other long-standing Barbarians return to the Black and White shirt, including Danny Grewcock, who first played for the club a dozen years ago and fellow England World Cup member Andy Gomersall who has already played 12 times for the Baa-Baas.
The Barbarians have played Ireland on two previous occasions, winning the Peace International 70-38 in Dublin in 1996 and, four years later, winning 31-30.
It will be the eighth game against England at Twickenham, with the Barbarians currently ahead 4-3 in the series.
Tour squad:
Fowards: Federico Pucciarello (Munster and Italy), Cobus Visagie (Saracens and South Africa), Ollie le Roux (Leinster and South Africa), Patrice Collazo (Gloucester and France), Darren Crompton (Bristol and England), Mark Regan (Bristol and England), Sebastien Bruno (Sale Sharks and France), Justin Harrison (Ulster and Australia), Kris Chesney (Saracens), Ross Skeate (Stormers), Danny Grewcock (Bath and England), Pedrie Wannenburg (Blue Bulls and South Africa), Maama Molitika (Cardiff Blues and Tonga), David Croft (Reds and Australia), Mitchell Chapman (Brumbies), Craig Newby (Highlanders and New Zealand).
Backs: Iain Balshaw (Gloucester and England), Peter Hewat (London Irish), Thinus Delport (Worcester Warriors and South Africa), Lesley Vainikolo (Gloucester and England), Gareth Thomas (Cardiff Blues and Wales), Morgan Turinui (Reds and Australia), Jaco Pretorius (Lions and South Africa), Seilala Mapasua (London Irish and Samoa), Tyrone Smith (Brumbies), Stephen Larkham (Australia), Glen Jackson (Saracens), Andy Gomersall (Harlequins and England), Michael Claassens (Bath and South Africa), Ryan Powell (Worcester Warriors and Wales).
Fixtures: (all kick-offs local times)
Saturday, May 24: v Belgium, King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, 16.00
Tuesday, May 27: v Ireland, Kingsholm, Gloucester, 19.45
Sunday, June 1: v England, Twickenham - The Gartmore Challenge, 15.00
