An incredible XV of players who missed out on the Rugby World Cup - Ruck

An incredible XV of players who missed out on the Rugby World Cup

For all the happy players who travelled to Japan having made their country’s Rugby World Cup squads, there are many left back home wondering what might have been.

Wouldn’t it be great to see a bunch of the world’s best players come together in one team?

Well, that’s basically The Barbarians.

The Baa-Baa’s will return to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, November 16 to face FijI in the first international rugby match to be staged in the United Kingdom following the 2019 Rugby World Cup. 

Tickets are on general sale now from www.ticketmaster.co.uk/barbarians with a special early bird offer and 50 per cent off top price adult tickets for a limited time only. 

15. Alex Goode (England)

The European player of the year is possibly the most unlucky out of everyone, but has never been liked by Jones, earning his last cap in 2016 despite his consistency for Saracens.

14. Simon Zebo (Ireland)

Zebo’s exclusion is no surprise – but that doesn’t mean that the Racing 92 star won’t be annoyed that he hasn’t been considered. Joe Schmidt closed the door on Zebo the moment his move to Paris was announced before the 2017 autumn tests, and although the 29-year-old has produced some great rugby since arriving in the Top 14, Schmidt has shown no sign of calling a halt to Ireland’s unwritten rule around overseas selection.

Ireland Rugby Captain’s Run, Stadio Olimpico, Rome 6/2/2015 Jared Payne and Simon Zebo Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

13. Huw Jones (Scotland)

Even with Jones’ form having dropped off somewhat this season, the fact that a player regarded as one of Scotland’s best attackers only 18 months ago wasn’ involved in Japan was definitely surprising, given Jones has scored 10 tries in 23 Tests.

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