Three Irishmen added to Barbarians squad to face Tonga - Ruck

Three Irishmen added to Barbarians squad to face Tonga

  • Murphy, Parling, Naiyaravoro and Smith also called up to face Tonga
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  • Tickets include entry to Munster Women v Barbarians at 4.45pm 
Donncha O’Callaghan and Munster duo added to Barbarians squad

Munster great Donncha O’Callaghan has accepted the Barbarians’ invitation to return to Thomond Park to face Tonga on Friday night (7.30pm).


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The Ireland and British & Irish Lions legend joins the squad this week along with two current Munster players in props James Cronin and Brian Scott.

Also added to the group following Saturday’s 31-22 defeat against New Zealand are Leinster and Ireland flanker Jordi Murphy, former England and British & Irish Lions lock Geoff Parling, giant Australia wing Taqele Naiyaravoro and Castres flier David Smit

Cronin and Scott replace New Zealanders Atu Moli and Ben Franks. Moli has joined the All Blacks squad for their European tour while Franks has returned to London Irish.


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O’Callaghan returns from Worcester Warriors for a second spell with the Baa-baas after featuring in the win against England in 2014.

The two Cork-born props will be making their debuts for the famous invitation side, back in Limerick for the first time since the 22-21 win over Ireland in the summer of 2015.

Cronin said: “I was watching the (New Zealand) game on TV at the weekend and chatting with my buddies about it, and it’s a special thing. You get to wear your club socks and represent where you’re from, and it’s such a prestigious club. It’s an opportunity everyone wants.”


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The debate over which socks Scott will wear has already started his family, with the Presentation Brothers College, University College Cork, Dolphin and Youghal all having claims.

He said: “I know what a great honour it is to play for the Barbarians and I’ve seen some unbelievable players over the years and I know what a privilege it is to wear the shirt. There are players coming in from all round the world, all great players, and it’s fantastic to be involved and to do it at Thomond Park.”

BARBARIANS SQUAD
Forwards
Willie Britz (Sunwolves)
Sam Carter (Brumbies & Australia)
James Cronin (Munster)
Simone Favaro (Fiamme Oro)
Jordi Murphy (Leinster)
Donncha O’Callaghan (Worcester Warriors)
Geoff Parling (Munakata Sanix Blues)
Brian Scott (Munster)
Ruan Smith (Toyota Verblitz)
Adriaan Strauss (Bulls & South Africa)
Akker van der Merwe (Sharks)
Jacques van Rooyen (Lions)
Backs
Vince Aso (Hurricanes)
George Bridge (Crusaders)
Richard Buckman (Highlanders)
Robert du Preez (Stormers)
Andy Ellis (Kobelco Steelers & New Zealand)
Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs & Australia)
Julian Savea (Hurricanes & New Zealand)
David Smith (Castres)
Nic Stirzaker (Rebels)
Harold Vorster (Lions)