Barbarians unveil matchday squad for Killik Cup fixture against Fiji

Barbarians head coach Robbie Deans has confirmed the matchday 23 squad for the upcoming Killik Cup fixture against Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

The squad that has a whopping experience of 968 Test caps between them has seven England players including the likes of Ben Youngs, Danny Care, Zach Mercer, Kyle Sinckler, Jonny May, Jonathan Joseph, David Ribbans and Kieran Brookes.

Veteran All Blacks squad Sam Whitelock, who had announced his retirement will be captaining the side that also has Australia's Scott Sio, France's Gael Fickou and Japan's Shota Horie.

Crusaders fly-half Fergus Burke is set to make his first appearance in London following his summer transfer to Saracens. The 24-year-old aims to orchestrate a potent back-line featuring talents like Leicester Fainga’anuku, Virimi Vakatawa, and Chay Fihaki.

Additionally, Deans has included several familiar faces from the Saitama Wild Knights club: Horie, Lachlan Boshier, Jack Cornelsen, Craig Millar, and Liam Mitchell are all joining the Barbarians. The lineup is completed by Cameron Woki, Harry Thacker, and Fabian Holland.

“I’m delighted with the group that we’ve gathered together here in London,” said Deans.

“It’s a great squad with a lot of experience, as well as a lot of guys who are at the front end of their careers as well.

“They all understand the privilege they have got to wear this jersey, so we have a fantastic week ahead of us.

“The key is for us all to come together and connect. All these guys can play brilliant rugby – they wouldn’t be here if they couldn’t – so we just want to help them bring all their skills come Saturday for the benefit of the Barbarians, and so they enjoy the experience as well.”

Barbarians squad:

Forwards:

Lachlan Boshier – Saitama Wild Knights
Kieren Brookes – RC Toulon, England (16 caps)
Jack Cornelsen – Saitama Wild Knights, Japan (21 caps)
Fabian Holland – Highlanders
Shota Horie – Saitama Wild Knights, Japan (76 caps)
Zach Mercer* – Gloucester Rugby, England (2 caps)
Craig Millar* – Saitama Wild Knights, Japan (18 caps)
Liam Mitchell – Saitama Wild Knights
David Ribbans – RC Toulon, England (11 caps)
Kyle Sinckler – Bristol Bears, England, British & Irish Lions (76 caps)
Scott Sio – Exeter Chiefs, Australia (74 caps)
Harry Thacker* – Bristol Bears
Sam Whitelock – Section Paloise, New Zealand (153 caps) – captain
Cameron Woki – Racing 92, France (31 caps)

Backs:

Fergus Burke – Crusaders
Danny Care – Harlequins, England (101 caps)
Leicester Fainga’anuku – RC Toulon, New Zealand (7 caps)
Gael Fickou – Racing 92, France (90 caps)
Chay Fihaki – Crusaders
Jonathan Joseph – Biarritz Olympique, England (54 caps)
Jonny May – Gloucester Rugby, England (77 caps)
Virimi Vakatawa* – Bristol Bears, France (32 caps)
Ben Youngs – Leicester Tigers, England, British & Irish Lions (129 caps)

*denotes players who have previously represented Barbarian F.C.