Sir John Kirwan has been confirmed as Barbarians coach for the historic fixture against Leicester Tigers in November.
A former All Blacks wing and national team coach of Japan and Italy, Kirwan is now head coach at Auckland Blues and will also be in charge of the Baa-baas team for their match against Australia at Twickenham.
The Barbarians return to Welford Road on Tuesday, November 4 (7.30pm) as part of the invitational team’s 125th anniversary celebrations, three days after their Twickenham engagement.
Kirwan is keen to maintain the status of the Barbarians as a unique side who bring together players from around the globe to “compete and play great footie”.
“It’s a privilege and a huge honour to be involved with the Barbarians again,” said the 1987 World Cup winner.
"I grew up watching the Barbarians score the greatest try ever and for them to survive and continue to thrive in the modern market place is so important. What they do is a very precious thing.
“Every year the Barbarians are put under pressure but it’s still a huge honour to play and they still compete with the very best.
“If you’ve played for club and country but haven’t played for the Barbarians you’re still missing something, and when people find out you’re the Barbarians coach they’re on the phone asking to play.”
The first name added to the Barbarians squad for their autumn matches in England is Australia wing Nick Cummins, with the rest of their line-up to be confirmed in the coming weeks before assembling on October 28.
Tickets for the Tigers versus Barbarians fixture are available now at the Tigers ticket office, prices from £23 adults, £11 juniors. Buy in person at the Welford Road ticket office, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or click here to book online.
A former All Blacks wing and national team coach of Japan and Italy, Kirwan is now head coach at Auckland Blues and will also be in charge of the Baa-baas team for their match against Australia at Twickenham.
The Barbarians return to Welford Road on Tuesday, November 4 (7.30pm) as part of the invitational team’s 125th anniversary celebrations, three days after their Twickenham engagement.
Kirwan is keen to maintain the status of the Barbarians as a unique side who bring together players from around the globe to “compete and play great footie”.
“It’s a privilege and a huge honour to be involved with the Barbarians again,” said the 1987 World Cup winner.
"I grew up watching the Barbarians score the greatest try ever and for them to survive and continue to thrive in the modern market place is so important. What they do is a very precious thing.
“Every year the Barbarians are put under pressure but it’s still a huge honour to play and they still compete with the very best.
“If you’ve played for club and country but haven’t played for the Barbarians you’re still missing something, and when people find out you’re the Barbarians coach they’re on the phone asking to play.”
The first name added to the Barbarians squad for their autumn matches in England is Australia wing Nick Cummins, with the rest of their line-up to be confirmed in the coming weeks before assembling on October 28.
Tickets for the Tigers versus Barbarians fixture are available now at the Tigers ticket office, prices from £23 adults, £11 juniors. Buy in person at the Welford Road ticket office, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or click here to book online.
