Baa-baas sign up stars for Twickers showdown

FOUR leading South Africa and Australia players have accepted invitations to appear for the Barbarians when the famous invitation side returns to action this season at Twickenham on December 1.

Springboks’ fly-half Handre Pollard, lock Eben Etzebeth and prop Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira will join the Baa-baas in London for the Killik Cup match against Argentina after South Africa’s autumn internationals against England, France, Scotland and Wales.

They will be joined by scrum-half Will Genia, whose Australia side will be in Europe facing Wales, Italy and England.

The Barbarians have set the bar high for the new recruits in 2018 – they are returning to Twickenham after the record-breaking 63-45 win over England earlier this year.

“Last season was a vintage one for the Barbarians with a splendid win over England, wonderful performances against New Zealand and Australia, and the successful launch of the club’s women’s team,” said Barbarians chairman John Spencer.

“We’re delighted that these four established international players will be joining us when we take on Argentina for the third time. It’s a reflection of the enduring reputation of the club that we are able to attract greats from around the globe to come together and play with skill, flair and enjoyment.”

The first four members of the Barbarians’ Killik Cup squad have 295 internationals behind them. Mtawarira, who is South Africa’s most-capped prop with 103.

Etzebeth and Pollard have won 69 and 31 caps while Genia has made 92 appearances for the Wallabies before today’s (Saturday) match between the countries.

Etzebeth and Pollard will be making their first appearances for the club while Mtawarira and Genia both featured in the Baa-baas’ famous 2009 victory over New Zealand.