O'Callaghan and Munster duo added to Barbarians squad for Thomond clash

FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Donncha O’Callaghan, Munster duo James Cronin and Brian Scott and Leinster flanker Jordi Murphy have been added to the Barbarians squad to face Tonga.

Following Saturday’s 31-22 defeat to New Zealand, the side take to Thomond Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

Former England lock Geoff Parling, Australia wing Taqele Naiyaravoro and Castres’ David Smith have also accepted invitations to link up with the side.

This will come as O’Callaghan’s second spell with the Baa Baas, after featuring in their win over England in 2014. Cronin and Scott meanwhile will be making their debuts for the invitational side, and come in for New Zealand’s Atu Moli and Ben Franks.

Cronin said: “I was watching the (New Zealand) game on TV at the weekend and chatting with my buddies about it, and it’s a special thing.

“You get to wear your club socks and represent where you’re from, and it’s such a prestigious club. It’s an opportunity everyone wants.

James Cronin has also been added. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

“I know what a great honour it is to play for the Barbarians and I’ve seen some unbelievable players over the years and I know what a privilege it is to wear the shirt.

“There are players coming in from all round the world, all great players, and it’s fantastic to be involved and to do it at Thomond Park.”

SQUAD ADDITIONS 🗞@docallaghan4 @jcronin1990

Brian Scott @Jordimurphy @geoffparling

David Smith

Welcome 👋👍#rugby #rugbyunited🏉 pic.twitter.com/cxIxGqHJab

— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) November 6, 2017

Barbarians squad

Forwards

Willie Britz (Sunwolves)
Sam Carter (Brumbies & Australia)
James Cronin (Munster)
Simone Favaro (Fiamme Oro)
Jordi Murphy (Leinster)
Donncha O’Callaghan (Worcester Warriors)
Geoff Parling (Munakata Sanix Blues)
Brian Scott (Munster)
Ruan Smith (Toyota Verblitz)
Adriaan Strauss (Bulls & South Africa)
Akker van der Merwe (Sharks)
Jacques van Rooyen (Lions)

Backs

Vince Aso (Hurricanes)
George Bridge (Crusaders)
Richard Buckman (Highlanders)
Robert du Preez (Stormers)
Andy Ellis (Kobelco Steelers & New Zealand)
Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs & Australia)
Julian Savea (Hurricanes & New Zealand)
David Smith (Castres)
Nic Stirzaker (Rebels)
Harold Vorster (Lions)

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