Eddie Jones is piecing together an all-star team, for when the Barbarians take on the World XV at Twickenham Stadium. Recent reports are that Jones’ latest edition is Wales back-rower Taulupe Faletau, with the 32-year-old set to join two Welsh compatriots already named in the squad.
The British and Irish Lion will be joining Alun Wyn Jones and Rhys Webb in the famous Baa Baa’s black and white stripes. Jones is building a strong side, centred around an Anglo-Welsh dynamic, as two England stars have also been confirmed for the squad. Harlequins fan favourites Danny Care and Joe Marler will be re-united with Eddie Jones, and winding back the clock to their England days at Twickenham Stadium.
England wingers Jonny May and Jack Nowell have also been invited to take part. There is also a strong Southern Hemisphere influence upon the squad, with the Australia Head Coach calling in the aid of Marika Koroibete and Nick Phipps from the Wallabies. The Bristol departing duo of Semi Radradra and Charles Piutau add two threatening carriers to the Barbarians attacking line, with Argentina’s Pablo Matera and Emiliano Boffelli, and Japan’s captain Michael Leitch also joining the Baa Baas.
Eddie Jones will be making his return to Twickenham Stadium as Barbarians Head Coach. Jones’ last encounter with the Barbarians was as England Head Coach last Summer, when his side were defeated 21-52 by a predominantly French Barbarians outfit. Jones lines up against former All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen, who takes charge of the World XV.
The Barbarians v the World XV takes place on the 28th of May, the day after the Gallagher Premiership Final at Twickenham Stadium.