Atkinson’s Baabaas double

GLOUCESTER centre Mark Atkinson said it was “an honour and privilege” to play for the Barbarians after his two-try show at Twickenham.

Atkinson capped off a fine season that saw him play a key role in a Cherry and Whites side that reached the Premiership semi-finals by lining up alongside some international greats in a Baa-baas outfit that contained 478 caps, impressing in the 51-43 defeat to an England XV.

He posted a picture on Instagram after the game with the Baa-baas squad and the caption: “Quiet week came to a close in style with a hell of a bunch of boys. It’s been an honour and privilege to join this special club.”

Atkinson also posed with former Gloucester team-mates John Afoa and Richard Hibbard, who were also in action for the Barbarians. Afoa set up Atkinson for his first try with a fine tip pass and his second came after a superb run by Charles Piutau.

Both came in the second half as the Barbarians fought back after England opened up a 31-12 lead at the break.

Twitter user Mikes Beard said: “Your performance for the Barbarians as it has been for Gloucester all season has been fantastic. Hope Eddie Jones was paying attention.”

Eddie Jones was watching the game from the stands with Jim Mallinder taking charge of a developmental England side.

Gloucester fly-half Danny Cipriani was not involved in the game, suggesting he will be part of England’s wider pre-world Cup training squad as he was not available to be picked by the Barbarians.