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Steffon Armitage has agreed to play for the Barbarians in end-of-season fixture
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The flanker was not selected for England while in France due to the RFU’s policy
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It was speculated Eddie Jones urged him to return home to challenge for a place
Former England flanker Steffon Armitage is set to return to international rugby, albeit against the Red Rose at Twickenham later this month
The 31-year-old exiled himself from Test Rugby when he left then Premiership side London Irish to join Toulon in 2011 on a big money contract.
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Although he enjoyed large amounts of success in France, winning multiple Top 14 and Champions Cup titles, RFU rules meant that he was unable to add to his five England caps.
As recently as last year, there was speculation Eddie Jones had urged Armitage to return home to challenge for selection, while Wasps admitted to being interested in signing him.
Instead, he opted to move to Pau which was regarded as final confirmation that he had no future with England
Armitage will now oppose them, with the possibility of a head-to-head against Sam Underhill, who is seen as Eddie Jones prodigy to fill the seven shirt Armitage once wore.
The Baa Baas, under the watch of former Scotland coach Vern Cotter, have also named the likes of Adam Ashley-Cooper, Will Genia, Facundo Isa and Census Johnston for the invitational fixture at Twickenham.
They’ve also been heavily linked with All Black legend Dan Carter, who may grace the hallowed turf of Twickenham one last time.