Healy and Frizell join Barbarians squad for Springboks clash

Barbarians FC have announced the inclusion of Ireland legend Cian Healy and former All Blacks star Shannon Frizell for their highly anticipated match against the world champion Springboks in Cape Town later this month.

The pair adds significant international experience to Robbie Deans’ squad ahead of the Qatar Airways Cup clash at the DHL Stadium on Saturday, 28 June.

The fixture marks the first-ever meeting between the Barbarians and South Africa on South African soil.

Healy and Frizell, who boast a combined 170 international caps, will link up with fellow internationals Sam Cane, Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray. The squad reflects the Barbarians’ tradition of blending elite talent, global flair, and mutual respect for the jersey.

Cian Healy, 37, is Ireland’s most capped player and a long-serving stalwart of Leinster. Since his debut in 2009, he has earned 137 caps for Ireland and was part of the British & Irish Lions squad during their victorious 2013 tour of Australia.

Renowned for his versatility across both sides of the scrum, Healy remains central to Leinster’s ambitions and is poised to feature in another United Rugby Championship final.

Shannon Frizell, 31, brings additional dynamism to the Barbarians’ back row. The powerful flanker featured in 33 Tests for New Zealand, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris.

Since moving to Japan, Frizell has played for Toshiba Brave Lupus, helping them secure back-to-back Japan Rugby League One titles, most recently with a win over the Kubota Spears.

Barbarians head coach Robbie Deans expressed his satisfaction at bringing such seasoned names into the fold.

“When putting a squad together, we always look for players who have a number of attributes – versatility, experience, skill set, flair, combinations and know each other’s games at club or international level, but most importantly respect and value the privilege of playing for the Barbarians,” said Deans.

“Cian is hugely experienced both at club and country level, can play tighthead and loosehead and will know well the two other Irish players announced last week. And Shannon is an explosive and dynamic backrow and has played alongside Sam Cane for the All Blacks.”