All Blacks XV to face Barbarians in London on November 1

The All Blacks XV will take on the Barbarians in a highly anticipated match at Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, London on 1st November.

The two teams last met in 2022 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the Barbarians secured a 35-31 victory under then-coach Scott Robertson. That encounter was notable as the first international rugby match played at the Premier League ground.

The All Blacks XV serves as a vital platform for grooming the next tier of Test-ready New Zealand players. Last year, the team defeated Munster 38-24 in Limerick and beat Georgia 31-13 in Montpellier.

With a demanding international calendar ahead, including the 2026 season and the 2027 Rugby World Cup, New Zealand Rugby views these fixtures as essential for developing depth in its national squad.

Chris Lendrum, New Zealand Rugby’s General Manager of Professional Rugby and Performance, emphasized the match’s importance: “Growing our next tier of talent is crucial. The Barbarians are a quality opponent, and this match will be another key opportunity for our players.”

Barbarian Football Club President John Spencer highlighted the historic significance of this fixture, recalling the famous 1973 encounter when Gareth Edwards scored what is widely regarded as one of rugby's greatest tries.

"The Barbarians and the All Blacks XV are two of the most iconic names in rugby. This game will be another entertaining encounter," he said.

The Barbarians and All Blacks (including the XV and main squad) have faced off 11 times, with the New Zealanders winning eight and the Barbarians claiming victories in 1973 and 2009. One match ended in a draw in 1974.