Here are the Barbarians & Australian squads who will meet at Twickenham Stadium this Saturday with Kick-off at 14:45. The Barbarians have included the exciting Wigan and England Rugby League fullback Sam Tomkins, who changes codes just a week afetr playing for England RL in the final Four Nations match which was lost 8-30 against Australia RL.
The Barbarians commercial director Mike Burton said: “We are delighted that Sam, with the support of the coaches and management at Wigan, has accepted this opportunity to play in such a high-profile union match. In recent years the likes of Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor and, a few months ago, Willie Mason, have all made a mark when playing for us on the big stage. We are confident that Sam will be equal to the challenge this week.”
Ian Lenagan, chairman and owner of the Warriors said: “The Wigan club and Sam are very pleased to accept the Barbarians invitation. Sam is an exceptional player in either code of rugby and his selection shows the growing mutual respect between the codes of rugby league and rugby union in England. It is a great opportunity for Sam to experience the Twickenham atmosphere and showcase his talents on another major stage.”
The Barbarians team will be coached by Graham Henry and Steven Hansen, it includes two All Blacks in the 22-man squad invited from 10 different countries, they are Richard Kahui and Keven Mealamu. Both squads are listed below:
Squads
Barbarians: Sam Tomkins (England RL), Bryan Habana (South Africa), Isaia Toeava (New Zealand), Robbie Fruean (Crusaders), Stirling Mortlock (Australia), Richard Kahui (New Zealand), Seru Rabeni (Fiji), Danny Cipriani (England), Peter Stringer (Ireland), Nemia Kenatale (Fiji), Keven Mealamu (New Zealand), Adriaan Strauss (South Africa), Salvatore Perugini (Italy), Sylvain Marconnet (France), Eusebio Guinazu (Argentina), Victor Matfield (South Africa), Simon Shaw (England), Marco Bortolami (Italy), Jason White (Scotland), Jerome Kaino (New Zealand), Adam Thomson (New Zealand), Mauro Bergamasco (Italy).
Australia: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Pekahou Cowan, Dave Dennis, Anthony Faingaa, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Matt Hodgson, Rob Horne, James Horwill (capt), Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas, Salesi Ma’afu, Ben McCalman, Stephen Moore, James O’Connor, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota Nau, Radike Samo, Nathan Sharpe, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Ben Tapuai, Lachie Turner.