Cardiff to face Barbarians in 150th Anniversary Clash

Cardiff Rugby will mark their historic 150th anniversary season with a special fixture against Barbarian FC at Cardiff Arms Park.

The Blue & Blacks will face the famous invitational side on Friday, June 4, 2027, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

Cardiff Rugby revive historic Barbarians fixture

The anniversary encounter will renew one of club rugby’s most historic relationships. Cardiff and the Barbarians first met in 1891 and have faced each other 112 times, with the Blue & Blacks recording 71 victories.

Fixtures between the teams became a famous feature of the rugby calendar, particularly the traditional Easter Saturday meetings that attracted generations of supporters.

Their 2027 encounter will be the first between Cardiff and the Barbarians since 1996, when the Blue & Blacks claimed a thrilling 49-43 victory.

Cardiff 150th anniversary celebrations continue

The fixture will form part of Cardiff Rugby’s Sesquicentennial Season, celebrating 150 years of the club’s history.

Honorary president Sir Gareth Edwards, who represented the Barbarians 11 times during his playing career, welcomed the revival of the fixture and highlighted the shared history between the two teams.

“There is so much shared history between the teams, while Penarth remains the Baa-Baas spiritual home.

“It offers us the perfect opportunity to mark our 150th anniversary at the Arms Park with our supporters but also the chance to capture the hearts and minds of new generations just like the old Easter tours."

Barbarians return to Cardiff Arms Park

Barbarian FC president John Spencer also welcomed the invitation, pointing to the traditions and playing philosophies shared by the two clubs.

“Barbarian F.C. are absolutely delighted to accept the invitation of Cardiff for this fixture in their very special 150th anniversary season.

“These are two clubs steeped in history, with a shared philosophy for innovation, entertainment and enjoyment, while so many greats of the game have pulled on both the famous blue and black, and black and white hoops."