Ulster Rugby and New Zealand full back Charles Piutau has been confirmed as part of the Barbarians squad to face England in the Quilter Cup game on Sunday 27 May.
The 26-year-old, who will play Premiership rugby with recently promoted Bristol next season, has made 17 appearances for New Zealand, impressed in a brief spell with Wasps and was the Pro-12 player of the season in 2016-17.
He will be returning to Twickenham Stadium after two appearances there in 2013, the first saw England beaten 30-22 and the second was a try-scoring debut for the Barbarians as they beat Fiji 43-19.
PLAYER NEWS 🗞 He’s back for the Quilter Cup 🏆v @EnglandRugby…💪
Built like a cement truck with calf muscles and a Ferrari’s engine, it’s @cpiutau 🇳🇿🙌💯#rugby #rugbyunited 🏉 pic.twitter.com/fDXqBILR2o
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) May 1, 2018
“They were both wins and good experiences and the atmosphere was pretty cool,” he said.
“Playing for the Baa Baas was different and everyone had told me there is a special feel to it. Playing alongside people I’d played against, like Willie Le Roux, Jean De Villiers, Bismarck du Plessis was pretty good and one of the great things about rugby.”
He will also be reunited with Pat Lam, in charge of the Barbarians after taking Bristol back into the top-flight. Lam coached Pituau briefly in Auckland before his own move to Connacht in 2013.
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“It’s been a challenging season, it’s gone by pretty quick and I really hope I can help the club finish on a high by qualifying for the European Champions Cup,” said Piutau.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here but I’m very excited about the next challenge. Playing at Bristol with my brother Siale and friends like Steven Luatua is going to be pretty cool.”