Scott Robertson secures new role after All Blacks exit

The Barbarians have confirmed a headline fixture against reigning world champions South Africa at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The match will launch an exciting tour in the lead-up to the inaugural Nations Championship, with Robertson named as one of four elite coaches guiding the famous invitational side.

A week later, the Barbarians will return to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham for a Wales Double Header on Saturday, June 27. The event will feature both men’s and women’s fixtures, showcasing international rugby and celebrating the Barbarians’ trademark attacking style.

Robertson will be joined in the coaching team by former Los Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi, Racing 92 boss Patrice Collazo and Argentina assistant coach Kenny Lynn. Together, the quartet brings together vast international and club experience from across the global game.

Robertson is well acquainted with the Barbarians, having previously coached the side on four occasions — against New Zealand and Tonga in 2017, an All Blacks XV in 2022, and Wales in 2023. His familiarity with the Barbarians’ philosophy and expansive approach is expected to play a key role across the two high-profile fixtures.

“The Barbarians brings the rugby world together, so it’s special to be a part of it and to honour the jersey,” Robertson said.

Also returning to the Barbarians setup is Felipe Contepomi, widely regarded as one of Argentina’s finest players. During a distinguished playing career, he represented Bristol, Leinster, Toulon, Stade Français and Club Newman, earning 87 caps for Los Pumas.

Contepomi featured for the Barbarians five times between 2003 and 2012, claiming four victories, and now steps into a leadership role with the side.

Since taking charge of Argentina in 2024 after more than a decade in coaching, Contepomi has overseen notable Rugby Championship wins against South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

“It was a tremendous honour to play for the Barbarians, and now to be invited to coach the BaaBaas in a match against the back-to-back world champions in their own country is just as special,” said Contepomi.

“It’s a recognition of the performance of Los Pumas in recent years, and it will be a great challenge to put a team together in a week to face South Africa. I eagerly await that opportunity.”

The Barbarians have met South Africa nine times since their first clash in 1952, and Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus welcomed the opportunity to host the invitational side once again.

“It’s always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and we are looking forward to hosting them in South Africa for the second year in a row — this time at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where we have traditionally enjoyed fantastic support,” said Erasmus.

“With our opening Nations Championship encounter against England two weeks later, this will be an ideal opportunity to get the players match-ready against a side that always boasts top players from across the world.

“The key for us, however, will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field. This is a new season with two new exciting competitions, so the sooner we get into a Test match mindset, the better.”

French rugby great Patrice Collazo adds further international pedigree to the coaching panel.

A former Test prop, Collazo built an impressive playing career across the Top 14 and Premiership before forging a strong reputation as a head coach with La Rochelle, Toulon, Brive, Montpellier and now Racing 92.

Rounding out the coaching group is Kenny Lynn, a former Highlanders, Southland and Bay of Plenty back renowned for his ability to cover fullback, centre and wing.

Lynn moved into coaching with Lyon before returning to the Highlanders, and in 2024 joined Contepomi’s Argentina staff as an assistant coach. He now reunites with Contepomi in Barbarians colours.