Wales brace for 'special occasion' at Twickenham
NEWS: Barbarians announced the return of both its men’s and women’s teams to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, for a double-header against Wales on Saturday, June 27.
The Barbarians and Wales share a long and proud history stretching back to their first meeting in 1915, with many Welsh greats having pulled on the famous black and white hoops of the Barbarians and fixtures between the two sides having always captured the imagination of rugby fans.
The two sides last met in a double-header fixture in 2019 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with honours shared as the Barbarians men’s team – coached by Warren Gatland – was defeated, whilst the women’s team took the victory.
The matches allow supporters to gather together for an end-of-season festival of rugby, showcasing the very best of the men’s and women’s game.
#SPOTLIGHT: England’s latest squad update https://t.co/ztByAy3mtk
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John Spencer, President of Barbarian, commented, “Barbarians fixtures excite supporters like no other and being able to announce a double header encounter will only amplify that excitement.
“Our men’s and women’s teams will be centre stage in a landmark day of rugby in London as we take on a true rugby nation, twice in one day – Wales. The day will be a prime example of what Barbarians stand for – flair, passion and the global spirit of the game.
“This fixture will mark another chapter in our history. I’m excited to see the squads announced, and we can’t wait to deliver a showcase of rugby that reflects the best of this great club.”
Fiona Stockley, Barbarians Women’s Lead and Committee Member, remarked.
“The Club is delighted to welcome the Welsh Women’s squad to the Allianz Stadium for a repeat of our double header fixture in 2019 at Principality Stadium; we see this second fixture as a measure of the rich history between the Barbarians Club and Welsh Rugby”
“The Barbarians spirit in every team assembled is all about flair, skill, and camaraderie, and we expect a truly entertaining brand of rugby from a rich squad of players. You can expect to see stars of both the global stage and the English PWR league in our women’s fixture, following on from an incredibly successful RWC 2025, which has increased visibility and participation levels for women and girls.”
Wales will use the away match in London as an important part of their preparations for the inaugural Nations Championship when they will face Southern Hemisphere rivals Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in consecutive weeks in July.
Wales Men’s Head Coach Steve Tandy said: “Playing against the Barbarians is always a very special occasion. They play with freedom and creativity and bring together some of the best players in the world. This is a game that will be an important part of our preparation as we gear up for the Nations Championship, and I’m sure it will offer up some exciting action for fans.”
Sean Lynn, Wales Women’s Head Coach, said: “The Baabaas are a key part of rugby’s culture and history and can attract world-class talent, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to play them at the home of rugby.”
