Most fans might be thinking “how long until the Rugby World Cup?”. Not long, yet before we get to that special moment of the oval ball calendar, there is still time for a big event designed specifically for the fans – a World XV vs Barbarians.
From the European Professional Rugby Club (May 19-20) fixtures, Gallagher Premiership grand final (May 27) then the French Top14 (June 17) final, even counting the exciting Rugby Sevens World Series’ final tournaments (May 12-14 men and women/May 19-20 men), fans still have a full bag of delicious treats to feast on before September arrives. Super Rugby Pacific will also illustrate the ‘southern style’ on their June 24 final.
Such a smorgasbord, it will see players peaking for their clubs, before joining national sides through July Internationals.
Ah, and there’s also another special event that will steal the show just before the end of May, and that is the World XV vs Barbarians!
World XV vs Barbarians – May 28, Twickenham Stadium
NEWS 🗞️
The @KillikandCo 🏆 will be against a World XV 🌍 at Twickenham Stadium next year 👌
BUT it gets even better… #Baabaas will be coached by EDDIE JONES 🤩
…And the World XV by STEVE HANSEN 😎#KillikCup #rugby pic.twitter.com/BQBOtwueP7
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) December 13, 2022
The Barbarians are back with a bit of Jones… and Jones
You will not only get a packed team full of the best rugby superstars, but you will be gifted with two, and that is enough to make any fan go ballistical, or at least see if there are any tickets left. The historical side Barbarians will welcome the World XV to play for the Killik Cup in the coveted Twickenham Stadium.
So, what is there to know about this first-time-ever match between these two sides? Let’s start with what the rugby fans like the most, players! The Barbarians have already selected and named quite a few monster names like Alun Wyn Jones, Andre Esterhuizen, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau, Jack Nowell, and Jonny May, but there will be a few more familiar faces included in a team led by Eddie Jones.
The Australian head coach makes his comeback to England, after coaching the Men’s Roses for the past six seasons, and it will be interesting to see what surprises he has in store. The Barbarians will push for that whimsical and spicy gameplay style that has earned the respect and hearts of every rugby fan, but this time they will face a side that will try to do the same.
The World XV is ‘ready to make a statement’
The World XV, coached by 2015 Rugby World Cup winner Steve Hansen, is set to earn their first International Match with a bang, and the names who have been already named prove that intention. From the blockbuster fullback Charles Piutau (who is leaving England at the of this season) to Fijian magician Semi Radradra, or legendary Japan’s captain, Michael Leitch, a formidable team is in motion and ready to take Twickenham by storm.
Ngani Laumape, Marika Koroibete, and Nick Phipps are also in Hansen’s World XV, and more will be added as we get closer to the day.
We have the players and leaders, but what about the setting? Why should any of the fans care and give 90 minutes of their time to observe this May 28 fixture closely? Because it is like a dream for those who love to dwell in the realm of possibilities.
🌍 RUMOURED WORLD XV BACKLINE TO PLAY THE BAABAAS 🐑
9) Phipps 🇦🇺
10) Hastings 🏴/ Patchell 🏴
11) Folau 🇹🇴
12) Laumape 🇳🇿
13) Radradra 🇫🇯
14) Koroibete 🇦🇺
15) Piutau 🇹🇴Has there ever been a better backline?
— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) May 4, 2023
How many times did we have the pleasure of seeing Charles Piutau, Semi Radradra, Ngani Laumape, and Marika Koroibete pairing up and setting the pitch on fire? In this new era, where videogames like FIFA Ultimate Team have been dominating the digital sports online debate, due to the fact that you can have the very best football players playing in the same team, rugby makes that fantasy come to life, that any fan can see watch it live.
The Barbarians have been at the forefront of building the most ludicrous rugby combos, providing a chance for international players to join together in the same team, and spark thunderous moments of joy and pure bliss.
From now until the match kick-off, there is still a long road ahead. This means that both sides will add more gifted units to their rosters and build up something quite special for fans – be it the most passionate or the casual one – as this is the perfect game for everyone who loves sports and entertaining sports spectacular!
With tickets still available, the race to be in Twickenham and experience this first-ever Killik Cup clash is on. So be sure to be at England’s rugby mecca, or, at least, turn the tv/laptop on and enjoy a ‘feast of rugby union’.
“Main photo credit courtesy of Barbarians FC facebook page“
