ULSTER HAVE ANNOUNCED that Kingspan Stadium will play host to the Barbarians’ meeting with Fiji later this year.
The Belfast venue will host the famous invitational side’s fixture against the Fijians on Friday 11 November [KO 7.30pm].
The Barbarians are set to bring their usual cast of stars to Ireland for the game, with former Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans and ex-England international Will Greenwood in charge for their autumn series.
The BaaBaas will play South Africa at Wembley the weekend before the Belfast clash with Fiji, whose squad for November is likely to include the usual levels of world-class attacking talent.
Last year, Deans coached the Barbarians to a 22-21 win over Joe Schmidt’s Ireland XV in Thomond Park, with the likes of Joe Rokocoko and Jimmy Gopperth featuring in a team captained by Shane Jennings.
The redevelopment of Kingspan Stadium, formerly known as Ravenhill, has been a major success for Ulster so far, with the Belfast ground having hosted last season’s Guinness Pro12 final. The Women’s World Cup final will take place there next year too.
It will be a real pleasure to bring the Barbarians to Belfast to play at such an important venue that is the home of Ulster Rugby,” said Barbarians coach Deans.
“I’m sure we’ll receive a hospitable welcome and make new friends among the knowledgeable rugby public in Ulster.
“The Barbarians and Fiji both have great traditions of playing entertaining and skilful rugby, as was shown at Twickenham when we last met. We’ll endeavour to approach this game in the same competitive spirit.”
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Are the All Blacks that good or are Australia just really bad?
@Harry O’Callaghan: Very difficult to tell and was asking the same question to myself watching the game. All Blacks had moments of undoubted class but some of the Australian play was schoolboy stuff.
@Harry O’Callaghan: …World Cup is what Dave Rennie is working towards and the 2027 one if I picked it up right. Australia are putting together a serious bid for that one….blooded debutant, inexperienced youngsters and I believe will continue to do so. 20 – 22 yr old will be just in their prime then. You can expect a few scores like that I think. However, a serious coach and
@Harry O’Callaghan: far too young a squad to face the ABs. They might have had some chance if o Connor or tomua were there, but as it was they were lacking guile and leadership in every facet of the game.
Australia were shocking bad in the first half. Hoofing the ball for no reason was initial tactic. Couldn’t get more than a few phases without knocking on or giving possession away. Dont think the AB’s broke a sweat.
Australia wants to join the Six Nations – to have a chance of winning some of the games against Italy. I think we know why South Africa wants to join the Six Nations.
Can’t believe delete my comment woke culture