Nine former Wasps named by Barbarians

NINE players who started the season at Wasps have been named in the Barbarians squad to face Northampton Saints.

The famous invitational team is heading to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday, November 26 coached by Geordan Murphy and John Mulvihill. Former Wasps boss Lee Blackett was due to be involved too but he will now no longer figure after gaining employment with the Scarlets.

But there will be heavy ex-wasps presence with Dan Robson, Elliott Stooke, Francois Hougaard topping the bill of players who started the 2022/23 campaign with the Black and Golds – but lost their jobs in October when Wasps Holdings Limited went into administration.

Forwards Tim Cardall, Tom Cruse and Ben Harris and back Will Haydonwood are also among the unattached players selected while John Ryan (Munster) and Ben Morris (Moseley) have bounced back with new clubs and are set to feature against the Saints.

Brad Shields, who was initially lined up to participate in the clash, is no longer involved after signing a deal with Top 14 side Perpignan.

The Wasps theme in the squad continues as Danny Cipriani is included, the former England international had two spells with the club before moving on to Gloucester and then Bath – who he left at the end of the 2021/22 season. Wales international Jonah Holmes, who started his career with Wasps before moving on to Leicester Tigers and Dragons, is included too.

Saints fans will get to see Luther Burrell and Tom Wood run out at Franklin’s Gardens once more too.

“This will be our first visit to Franklin’s Gardens since 2007, but the first time we have ever faced Saints on the pitch, which is incredibly exciting for everyone at the Barbarians,” Barbarian President John Spencer said. “It is indeed a privilege to be invited to face the men in Black, Green and Gold.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring a squad with a large Wasps and Worcester contingent, and a sprinkling of seasoned internationals too. We’re confident that this is a group that can dazzle with our world-famous Baabaas skill, flair and passion.”

The fixture replaces Saints’ previously scheduled Premiership match against Worcester Warriors. Match tickets are available to purchase from £18 for adults, while all under-18s tickets are capped at £5. For more info visit www.eticketing.co. uk/northamptonsaints/events