Barbarians to play Fiji at Twickenham Stadium in June
The game will take place at Twickenham Stadium on 22nd June
©PA
Barbarians have announced that they will be taking on Fiji in The Killik Cup contest in June.
The iconic Twickenham Stadium will be hosting the encounter on 22nd June and it will be the first game for the Pacific side since they defeated England 30-22 in August during the warm-up fixture leading to the Rugby World Cup.
Barbarians will be coached by Robbie Deans and it will be the sixth time he will be taking in charge of the side after he masterminded victories over Ireland (2015) and Fiji (2016), and oversaw a draw with South Africa (2016), as well as defeats to New Zealand (2017) and England (2015). He also coached Barbarians alongside Warren Gatland in the 2019 game against Wales.
“I’m very excited to return to Twickenham,” Deans said in a statement released.
“It’s a place where you step out into that arena, and you just want to lace up your boots and play. Obviously, you can’t do that forever, so I’m looking forward to making the most of this opportunity to get back there.
“It’s a privilege to pull that Barbarians jersey on, and we’ll certainly be motivated to put on a show and play with the classic, free-flowing style of the BaaBaas.”
This will be the fifth time Barbarians will be facing Fiji with both the teams winning two games apiece. Their last encounter was in 2019 when Fiji were edged out by 31-33 and Deans is impressed by the progress the Pacific side has shown over the years.
“They have played some great rugby, and they’re only going to get better without a doubt. Access to Super Rugby with the Fijian Drua has been a fillip for them; it’s helped with their depth, so they’re going to go from strength to strength.
“Everyone would have been aware of them before the World Cup, but the likes of Nayacalevu and Botia are remarkable footballers. Across the board though, they impressed, and grew in terms of their teamwork.
“The last time Fiji played at Twickenham they were successful, so I’m sure they will be keen to recreate those fireworks again at the home English rugby.”
