"Special to Pull On that Jersey" - Zach Mercer receives international call-up, but it's not for England
Rugby NewsTuesday, 27 February 2024 at 15:29
Barbarian F.C. have confirmed that England-capped back row Zach Mercer will pull on the famous black and white hooped jersey this summer, in the Killik Cup clash against Fiji.
Tickets on sale now from Ticketmaster, Ticketek or theRFU starting from £55 for Adults and £28 for Under-16s*.
Mercer, joins England’s most-capped men’s player Ben Youngs on the list of names already confirmed to play for the Baa Baas in the showpiece event at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 22 June (kick-off: 5.15pm).
Mercer began his career with Bath Rugby and was nominated for World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2017 after captaining England to an U20 Six Nations Grand Slam and the World Rugby U20 Championship final.
He enjoyed two years filled with success in France following a move to Montpellier Hérault, where he won the Top 14 title and was named the league’s Player of the Year in 2022.
The explosive No.8 returned to England and the Premiership with Gloucester Rugby in the summer of 2023, and despite a two-month spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, Mercer’s performances for the Cherry & Whites have continued to catch the eye – most recently delivering a man-of-the-match display against Exeter Chiefs to send Gloucester into the Premiership Rugby Cup final.
Mercer is relishing the prospect of another appearance in Barbarians colours this summer, and expects the sparks to fly against Fiji with both sides set on winning while also entertaining a bumper Twickenham crowd.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be involved with the Barbarians again this summer,” he said. “I loved the opportunity to represent the Baa Baas in November 2022 against the All Blacks XV; it was incredibly special to pull on that jersey for the first time and we were on the right end of the result as well.
“Moments and memories like that are the reason you play rugby, so it’s really exciting for me to play again this summer in what should be a brilliant match against Fiji.
“I think it will be two very similar outfits going head-to-head, two teams that want to play fast, exciting rugby.
“The Fijians were one of the best teams to watch at the recent Rugby World Cup, certainly the most-improved team there, and they’re going to want to come to Twickenham and put on a show once again.
“It’s going to be a great battle between the Baa Baas and Fiji on the day, so I’d definitely encourage rugby fans to get down there on June 22 to watch the games. With South Africa vs Wales on ahead of us as well, it should be an unmissable afternoon of rugby.”
This will be Mercer’s second time representing the BaaBaas following the Gloucester No.8’s Player-of-the-Match showing in the 35-31 Killik Cup victory over the All Blacks XV in November 2022, while he has also played against the Club on two occasions – for England in May 2018, and for Gloucester in October 2023.
Mercer added: “Everyone remembers what happens in the Barbarians’ matches, but the week beforehand is just as special as well. It’s all about getting to know each other as a group of players, creating bonds with different individuals who you haven’t played with before.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Twickenham again – I’ve played there a few times now, but the stadium still has the same aura for me and every time you get to run out there is a privilege.
“Last time with the Baa Baas was at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, this time obviously it’s Twickenham, and being involved at venues of that calibre just goes to show what big occasions these matches are.
“Baa Baas matches are great learning opportunities as well. You’re training with some of the best players in the world, and all the coaches are world class. I had the pleasure of working with Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara last time – two of the very best in the business – and to work with Robbie Deans on this one is amazing, so I am really excited for that opportunity.”
England legend picks his team to play Ireland, he’s selected Ben Earl at centre
Stuart Barnes, the esteemed rugby commentator and former England fly-half, is known for his willingness to offer unconventional perspectives without hesitation.
Writing in the Times this morning, Barnes has elevated his approach even further, suggesting a daring selection strategy for Steve Borthwick to consider before his team faces Ireland at Twickenham in the fourth round of the Six Nations.
Ben Earl at inside-centre:
“So I am picking him at inside centre. He can slip back to No 8 for the odd attacking scrum and link up like a back-row forward.” Barnes writes before going on to offer justification for the move.
“If anyone thinks England don’t need to think radically after the constant failure to ignite under Borthwick, they are condemning England’s fans to dreary wins against weak teams and disappointment against superior sides.”
Ben Earl of England celebrates during the Six Nations Match between England and Wales at Twickenham, London on 10 February 2024 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Back-row transformation:
Barnes has chosen a formidable back-row lineup, comprising Ollie Chessum at six, Sam Underhill at seven, and Zach Mercer making a return to the squad as number eight.
He wrote: "My pack is picked to scrummage and use Chessum's threat at the line-outs tail, where Ireland struggled at times against Wales. Martin adds a bit of oomph, while a recall for Zach Mercer brings some much-needed footballing ability to merge with the breakdown work of Sam Underhill."
Zach Mercer of Gloucester Rugby on the break during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins at Kingsholm Stadium on October 14th, 2023 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Phil Mingo/PPAUK/Gallagher)
Stuart Barnes England XV:
- Joe Marler
- Jamie George
- Dan Cole
- Maro Itoje
- George Martin
- Ollie Chessum
- Sam Underhill
- Zach Mercer
- Alex Mitchell
- Marcus Smith if fit/Fin Smith
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Ben Earl
- Ollie Lawrence
- Tommy Freeman
- George Furbank
Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?
Securing victory in the Guinness Six Nations is undoubtedly special, but achieving this triumph as a captain is a feat that remains a distant dream for many.
In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.
Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.
Surnames only will be accepted.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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