Parkes to lead BaaBaas as they head for Spain
FORMER Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes will lead the Barbarians as a new squad looks to follow up their victory over England with a trip to Spain.
The 29-capped inside centre, who has enjoyed two unbeaten seasons with Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan, will captain the famous club against Spain in Gijon next Saturday – with the Baa Baas boasting more of a Welsh flavour than the heavily French-influenced side that defeated Eddie Jones’ team on the weekend.
No. 8 Dan Baker, flanker James Botham, prop Scott Andrews and hookers Scott Baldwin and Kirby Myhill are all Welsh forwards selected.
In the backs, there’s no other Welsh representation beyond Parkes. However, Cardiff centre Rey Lee-Lo is named, reuniting with his former Arms Park coach John Mulvihill, who takes charge of the Barbarians for the second time.
John Spencer, president of Barbarian FC, said: “We are very much looking forward to this week as we prepare to face Spain next Saturday night. The club is buzzing after a wonderful victory over England on Sunday and this new squad, coached by John, are excited to take up the reins and embody the Barbarians’ ethos and playing style: spirit, passion, courage and flair, united by lifelong friendships.”
The match will be the last for Andrews, England’s Tom Wood, Ireland’s Devon Toner and Samoa’s Joe Tekori’s ahead of retirement.
The squad has 433 international caps between them, with Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Faumuina and Tekori all representing the club previously. BaaBaas squad – Forwards: Ed Byrne (Ireland, Leinster), Scott Baldwin (Wales, Ospreys), Charlie Faumuina (New Zealand, Toulouse), Devin Toner (Ireland, Leinster), Steve Mafi (Tonga, Oyonnax), Rob Harley (Scotland, Glasgow), James Botham (Wales, Cardiff), Abraham Papali’i (Connacht), Kirby Myhill (Wales, Cardiff), Wiehahn Herbst (Cell C Sharks), Scott Andrews (Wales, Cardiff), Joe Tekori (Samoa, Toulouse), Dan Baker (Wales, Dragons), Tom Wood (England, Northampton Saints) Backs: Sebastian Bezy (France, ASM Clermont), Tim Nanai-Williams (Samoa, Toulouse), Seabelo Senatla (DHL Stormers), Hadleigh Parkes (C) (Wales, Panasonic Wild Knights), Rey Lee-Lo (Samoa, Cardiff), Adam Byrne (Ireland, Leinster), Rhyno Smith (Benneton), Mathis Galthie (Colomiers), Ahsee Tuala (Samoa, Northampton Saints)