Goode glad to get the chance to become a Barbarian

ALEX GOODE has greater motivation than proving England’s head coach Eddie Jones wrong this weekend – the Saracens full-back will realise his grandfather’s dream by gracing the Barbarians’ line-up at Twickenham.

Goode’s late grandfather Dr John Vallance-Owen was good pals with Barbarians president Micky Steele-Bodger.

So when the 29-year-old runs out in the famous invitational side’s black and white against England, he will do so full of family pride.

Goode remains surplus to requirements with England, with boss Jones challenging overlooked players to reverse his thinking – but the double Champions Cup winner remains level-headed about that Test shutout.

A chance to face England may be the ideal platform to prove a point, but Goode has refused to narrow his focus.

“My grandad was best mates with Micky Steele-Bodger,” said Goode. “Unfortunately he’s passed away, but he always talked about the Barbarians games he saw from many years ago down in Cardiff at the Arms Park.

“I think Micky had always wanted for me to play in the Barbarians shirt. I love my rugby history and this is a dream come true.

“My grandad passed down all the stories of Micky and the Barbarians. I think he’d be proud.

“My grandma’s still with us and while she’s not such a big rugby fan, I know she’ll be excited.”

Goode jumped at the chance to join the Barbarians yesterday, having shrugged off Saracens’ disappointments at their 18-16 Premiership semi-final loss to Exeter Chiefs.

No-nonsense boss Jones can rightly point to the record 18-Test winning streak in preferring Mike Brown to Goode at full-back. But Jones recently explained Goode and other Saracens’ absence from the entire England squad by insisting “sometimes you can be a great player in a great side, but not necessarily a great Test player”.

Goode will happily meet Jones’s challenge.

“I’ve got to try to change that opinion really, it’s his decision,” said Goode. “I’ve got to sway his mind. I’ve just got to keep playing well and it’s a chance to play well at the weekend.”