Barbarians Announce Double-Header Against Six Nations Heavyweights

Double header.

The Barbarians will face Wales in a double-header this autumn in back-to-back matches at Principality Stadium on November 30 — with outgoing Wales boss Warren Gatland taking charge of the famous invitation club’s men’s team.

The Baa-baas men’s side will take on Wales for the first time since 2012 in what will be incoming head coach Wayne Pivac’s first match in charge of Wales.

Pivac, who will take over the Welsh reins following this year’s Rugby World Cup, will oversee his side for the first time in Cardiff and will be up against his predecessor in his opening match with Warren Gatland named as head coach of the Barbarians for the fixture.

Gatland, who has been at the helm of Wales for the past 12 years, will leave his role following the conclusion of this autumn’s World Cup but will make an immediate return to the Welsh capital and the Principality Stadium for the clash. For Wales Women it will be a first-ever outing against the Barbarians in what will be a showcase of Welsh rugby in Cardiff.

Commenting on return to Principality Stadium as Barbarians head coach, Gatland said:

“This is set to be a very special and hugely exciting double-header.

“It will be an honour to coach the Barbarians, they symbolise the very best of rugby tradition and are an important part of the international game and I’m hugely looking forward to being part of the Baa-baas club.

“It goes without saying that this match has huge significance to me.  Wales has been my home for the last 12 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. 

“We have had some great success with Wales and we are currently in a hugely important year, culminating at the Rugby World Cup.

“To have the opportunity to return to Cardiff post RWC 2019 is fantastic and I’m really looking forward to coaching the Barbarians in what I believe is the best rugby stadium in the world and against the best fans in the world!”

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