Razor adds another big name to his Barbarians coaching team
NEWS: The Barbarians have added another big name to their coaching team for their fixture against Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on June 27.
On Tuesday, the club revealed that Robbie Deans will link up with the team for that showdown before he takes on his role as Harlequins’ new Performance Director.
Deans will work alongside former All Black head coach Scott Robertson and Racing 92 head coach Patrice Collazo, forming a formidable and experienced coaching trio for the iconic fixture.
The fixture against Wales will take place a week after the Barbarians face the Springboks in Gqeberha.
This will mark Deans’ ninth involvement with the Barbarians. The 66-year-old New Zealander has previously overseen notable victories against Ireland (2015), Fiji (2016 and 2024), and participated in fixtures against New Zealand (2017), England (2015), Wales (2019), and South Africa (2025), as well as a draw against South Africa in 2016.
“I’m very excited to be coming back to Allianz Stadium and represent the Barbarians,” said Deans.
“It’s such a special place to play and watch rugby. The Barbarians embody all the best elements of the game — playing with freedom, flair, and entertaining supporters on matchday.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have been involved with the world’s most famous club for over a decade.”
Deans brings a wealth of elite-level coaching experience. He served as Director of Rugby at the Wild Knights from 2014 to 2025, winning five Japanese league titles during his tenure.
Prior to that, he was a member of the All Black coaching staff that returned the Bledisloe Cup to New Zealand in 2003, where it remains to this day.
He enjoyed a highly successful period with the Crusaders (2000–2008), where he secured five Super Rugby championships and then went on to coach Australia from 2008 to 2013, taking the Wallabies to a ranking of second in the world for three consecutive years and winning the Tri-Nations in 2011.
Following the fixture against Wales, Deans will officially join Harlequins as part of their coaching set-up for the 2026/27 season.
“We are honoured to be welcoming Robbie back into the coaching team this summer,” said John Spencer, President of Barbarian F.C.
“Robbie and the Barbarians have a long and proud history. He is a coach with the utmost respect across the world game, highlighted by his recent appointment in the U.K.
“He is a man and a coach who embodies the Barbarian F.C. club spirit and ethos, and having his vision and experience alongside Scott and Patrice this summer is hugely exciting.”
