WHAT YOU SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT THIS MONTH…
Do the Barbarians have a place in modern rugby?
THE BARBARIANS are a treasured entity in rugby history – epic teams, epic tries, epic matches.
The 1973 match between the invitational side and New Zealand is the epitome of this. The two line-ups were packed with stars of the game, the likes of David Duckham, Phil Bennett and Willie John McBride wearing the famous hoops and Bryan Williams, Sid Going and Ian Kirkpatrick in black. The length-of-field score finished by Gareth Edwards is widely considered the greatest try ever while the match itself is viewed as one of the best in history.
Back then, the Baa-Baas were able to assemble true ‘dream teams’ – and take on the best sides in the world. These days, however, they struggle to get the same calibre of players or fixtures. Matches are treated more as ‘friendlies’ by many opponents.
Covid hasn’t helped when it comes to this month’s Barbarians double header at Twickenham, which will see the men’s team take on Samoa and the women face South Africa. Travel restrictions have meant a new-look coaching team for the islanders and a squad pulled together last minute, the fact that the fixture falls outside the international window not helping with availability.
Yes, representing the Baa-Baas gives players a decent financial boost as well as a chance to embrace ‘a run it from everywhere’ style with new team-mates, but there are growing questions around their place in the modern game.
Does a calendar already full to bursting need these games? Do the Barbarians need reviving, with ways found for the best players to pull on the jersey and face the best teams? Would a better concept be for the Baa-Baas to focus on tours to emerging nations to generate interest and funds for those countries? Or should they be scrapped altogether? Let us know your views!