Eddie Jones to coach Barbarians against World XV at Twickenham
Eddie Jones was sacked by RFU earlier in the month
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Former England coach Eddie Jones will make a return to Twickenham Stadium after being appointed the coach of Barbarians F.C for the Killik Cup clash against World XV.
Jones will be up against ex-All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, who will be in charge of the World XV side with the encounter scheduled to be played on 28th May.
This will also be the second time Jones will be in charge of Barbarians after his side was edged out by Fiji with a 33-31 margin in 2019.
The 62-year-old was sacked by the Rugby Football Union earlier in the month after a dismal year which saw England managing just five wins from 12 matches. Nevertheless, during his seven-year coaching time with England, he guided them to three Six Nations titles (including a Grand Slam in 2016) apart from helping them reach the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“It’s an incredible honour to be asked to coach the Barbarians for a second time,” said Jones in a statement released.
“The club showed during the autumn that the values and traditions which make the Barbarians so special are still very much alive. Fans can expect to see two top-quality teams, packed full of international players, going all out to catch the eye ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
“I am very much looking forward to returning to Twickenham Stadium – a venue I have so many fond memories of – as head coach of the Barbarians, and I’m more motivated than ever to put on a show.
“Going up against Steve rekindles a great rivalry which first started in our days competing in Super Rugby and progressed into the international arena. It’ll be a great challenge and one I’m sure we’re both relishing.”
Meanwhile, Hansen, who had been the most successful coach for the All Blacks after being in charge of them between 2012 and 2019 said he is looking forward to the encounter.
“2023 is set to be an incredible year for rugby and I’m really excited to be returning to Twickenham.
“I’ve coached both for and against the Barbarians during my career, and while you always have to expect the unexpected where they are concerned, you can be certain that come Sunday 28 May we’ll have a hugely entertaining match played in a festival atmosphere.
“The Rugby World Cup will be firmly on the horizon when this match comes around, and we hope we can showcase many of the players who will go on to be stars of the tournament in France during this Killik Cup clash.”
