O'Connor gets BaaBaas call-up
Wallaby bad boy James O'Connor headlines the first batch of names to unveiled for the Barbarians team that will face England on Sunday, June 1.
O'Connor, who currently plays for London Irish in the English Premiership, left Australia last year after he had his Wallaby contract torn up as a result of a succession of alcohol-related transgressions.
He has since started to rebuild his career in Europe and will return to Australia later this year in the hope of making the Wallaby World Cup squad next year.
He is one of three Australians among the 14 names unveiled by the BaaBaas – all of whom are based in Europe.
The also includes six New Zealanders (all European-based), four Frenchman and one from England.
Barbarians – confirmed players: James O'Connor (London Irish, Australia – fullback/flyhalf/wing/centre), Drew Mitchell (Toulon, Australia – fullback/wing), Hosea Gear (Toulouse, New Zealand – wing/centre), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Clermont, New Zealand – wing), Aurelien Rougerie (Clermont, France – centre/wing), Rene Ranger (Montpelier, France – centre/wing), Matt Giteau (Toulon, Australia centre – flyhalf), Francois Trinh Duc (Montpelier, France – flyhalf), Jimmy Cowan (Gloucester, New Zealand – scrumhalf), Stefan Armitage (Toulon, England – back row), Julian Bonnaire (Clermont, France – back row), Ali Williams (Toulon, New Zealand – lock), Carl Hayman (Toulon, New Zealand – prop), John Afoa (Ulster, New Zealand – prop).
