To face Fiji, the Barbarians have added another England international to their team.
To face Fiji, the Barbarians have added another England international to their team.
The most recent England international to be called up to the Barbarians team for their match against Fiji at Twickenham is Kyle Sinckler.
Before moving from Bristol Bears to Toulon this summer, the 68-cap England tight end announced his temporary departure from England on Saturday. However, he will play one more game at Twickenham before traveling to France with a team led by former Wallabies manager Robbie Deans.
He now becomes one of many England internationals, including Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Zach Mercer, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, and David Ribbans, who will wear the black and white hoops on June 22.
The 31-year-old has played against the Barbarians twice while wearing an England jersey, but this will be his first time playing for them.
Since he is no longer eligible to play for England due to his relocation to the Top 14, this will be Sinckler’s only taste of international rugby for some time. Nonetheless, he has made clear how much he wants to go back to England.
“It’s an enormous honor for me to be asked to represent the Barbarians, first and foremost,” Sinckler remarked.
When I was a child, I used to watch the BaaBaas and think they were the rugby equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters—a squad full of great players that played with a distinct style. I’ve absolutely always wanted to have that experience for myself.
“I’m eager to get to know a new group of players, some of whom I’ve previously played with and some of whom I’ve never played against.
“While the Barbarians offer a more relaxed atmosphere, there is a Test match against Fiji at the end of the week, so I’m interested to see how this bunch of elite players will prepare for that.
“I’ve always enjoyed picking up tips from players who have accomplished big things in their careers, whether it’s with England, the Lions, or club rugby.
“You should be a sharp observer of what the world’s top players are doing to improve and ask the right questions.”
There’s always more to learn, especially in the front row, so I’m excited to get going and will take advantage of everything the Barbarians experience has to offer.
