Ireland Legend Set To Play For The Barbarians Against England This Month

by Will Matthews · October 9, 2020

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Baa-Baas.

Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care has revealed that Ireland veteran Rob Kearney looks set to be called up to the Barbarians squad for their game with England later this month.

Kearney’s contract with recently ended with Leinster following a stellar career for both club and country, with the 34-year-old signing a deal to continue playing with the Western Force in Australia.

The two-time British and Irish Lions tourist represented Ireland on 95 occasions and looks set for one last taste of international action before continuing his career further afield.

Speaking on BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast, Care also revealed that he was hoping to represent the Barbarians himself but was not permitted due to player welfare concerns.

“I was meant to be playing for the Baa-Baas against England in two and bit weeks time,” Care said.

“[But] we got told that no Premiership player that’s going to be finishing this season and then starting next season is allowed to play because of the short turnaround.

“I was obviously really looking forward to playing, hearing the stories from every single player that’s ever worn a Barbarians jersey, just how amazing the experience is, the whole week leading up and then obviously the game.

“It would have been amazing to run out at Twickenham again and play against England which would have been very strange but I’d have absolutely loved that but unfortunately not to be for me this year I’m just hoping that maybe next seasons when the world is gone slightly back to normal that maybe [I’ll get to play].”

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Episode 8 has arrived – a full day early this week featuring Eddie Jones, Jamie Heaslip, Ronan Kelleher and Felipe Contepomi. 🎙 – Jason & Jamie Heaslip look back on the Irish provinces in the PRO14 over the weekend and look forward to the next round. ☘️ – Munster's last-minute heroics, a tough game for Ulster, the Bundee Aki show and business as usual for Leinster. 🏉 – Felipe Contepomi on Johnny Sexton's injury, the tighthead situation with Porter/Furlong and if the PRO14 is adequate preparation. 🤔 – Ronan Kelleher on his Ireland ambitions and finally playing an away game. ✈️ – The absolutely crazy fiasco with Sale Sharks in the English Premiership. 🤯 – Eddie Jons on rugby's financial problems, Manu Tuilagi's injury and adapting to the new breakdown interpretations. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Available now wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

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Along with Kearney, Care said Chris Robshaw is set to play [which has since been confirmed by the Barbarians], as well as Saracens centre Brad Barritt who is set to hang up his boots after the game.

“I don’t know if these are fully confirmed but I’m pretty sure Chris Robshaw is going to play,” Care said.

“I think Brad Barritt as well.

“And I’ve heard people like Rob Kearney, who’s off to join the Western Force. So anyone that’s retiring or not playing in the Premiership again next year.”