Sio Starts for Barbarians Against Fiji

Exeter Chiefs prop Scott Sio has been selected to start for the Barbarians against Fiji on Saturday, June 22.

The Barbarians will run out against the Flying Fijians at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday with a squad boasting 968 international caps.

Barbarian F.C. are delighted to confirm the Club’s 23-player squad for this weekend’s Killik Cup fixture against Fiji.

Head coach Robbie Deans will lead a squad packed full of international pedigree for the clash against the Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists at Twickenham Stadium, with a whopping 968 Test caps across five different nations included amongst the BaaBaas’ ranks.

Over 60,000 people have already secured their seats for the biggest rugby showcase of the summer on Saturday 22 June (kick-off: 5.15pm). Tickets for the clash are on sale now from Ticketmaster or the RFU and also include entry to the Qatar Airways Cup showdown between South Africa and Wales. The two international heavyweights go toe-to-toe at 2.00pm, ahead of Barbarians vs Fiji.

There is a strong contingent from England set to pull on the famous Black and White hooped jerseys on familiar soil at HQ, with Ben Youngs, Danny Care, Zach Mercer, Kyle Sinckler, Jonny May, Jonathan Joseph, David Ribbans and Kieran Brookes all selected by the Barbarians.

New Zealand’s all-time record appearance maker – Sam Whitelock – will make his BaaBaas debut this weekend and captains the side, meanwhile Scott Sio (Australia), Gael Fickou (France) and Shota Horie (Japan) all also add significant international pedigree with each boasting more than a half-century of Test caps to their names.

Crusaders fly-half Fergus Burke makes his first appearance in London since his summer move to Saracens was confirmed, and the 24-year-old will be hoping to pull the strings in a back-line packed with firepower – with the likes of Leicester Fainga’anuku, Virimi Vakatawa, and Chay Fihaki outside him.

Deans has also opted to call on several familiar faces from club side Saitama Wild Knights, as Horie, Lachlan Boshier, Jack Cornelsen, Craig Millar and Liam Mitchell all join up with the Barbarians. Cameron Woki, Harry Thacker, and Fabian Holland complete the line-up.

“I’m delighted with the group that we’ve gathered together here in London,” said Deans. “It’s a great squad with a lot of experience, as well as a lot of guys who are at the front end of their careers as well.

“They all understand the privilege they have got to wear this jersey, so we have a fantastic week ahead of us.

“The key is for us all to come together and connect. All these guys can play brilliant rugby – they wouldn’t be here if they couldn’t – so we just want to help them bring all their skills come Saturday for the benefit of the Barbarians, and so they enjoy the experience as well.”

Barbarian Squad v Fiji

Forwards

Lachlan Boshier – Saitama Wild Knights

Kieren Brookes – RC Toulon, England (16 caps)

Jack Cornelsen – Saitama Wild Knights, Japan (21 caps)

Fabian Holland – Highlanders

Shota Horie – Saitama Wild Knights, Japan (76 caps)

Zach Mercer* – Gloucester Rugby, England (2 caps)

Craig Millar* – Saitama Wild Knights, Japan (18 caps)

Liam Mitchell – Saitama Wild Knights

David Ribbans – RC Toulon, England (11 caps)

Kyle Sinckler – Bristol Bears, England, British & Irish Lions (76 caps)

Scott Sio – Exeter Chiefs, Australia (74 caps)

Harry Thacker* – Bristol Bears

Sam Whitelock – Section Paloise, New Zealand (153 caps) – captain

Cameron Woki – Racing 92, France (31 caps)

Backs

Fergus Burke – Crusaders

Danny Care – Harlequins, England (101 caps)

Leicester Fainga’anuku – RC Toulon, New Zealand (7 caps)

Gael Fickou – Racing 92, France (90 caps)

Chay Fihaki – Crusaders

Jonathan Joseph – Biarritz Olympique, England (54 caps)

Jonny May – Gloucester Rugby, England (77 caps)

Virimi Vakatawa* – Bristol Bears, France (32 caps)

Ben Youngs – Leicester Tigers, England, British & Irish Lions (129 caps)

*denotes players who have previously represented Barbarian F.C.