International
Barbarians announce Coach & Captain for Autumn Fixtures
Today the Barbarians have announced Australian Head Coach, Dave Rennie and Wales Assistant Coach, Jonathan Humphreys will take charge of the Barbarians team against Samoa on the 27th November at Twickenham for the Killik Cup Double Header (K.O. 2.30pm). The two will be reunited in a coaching capacity after their successful time together at Glasgow Warriors from 2017 to 2020.
Three experienced world class players have also been confirmed to put on the Black and White shirt again; the 74 capped back rower and Argentine former Captain, Pablo Matera, who led the Pumas to a landmark first victory against the All Blacks in the 2020 Rugby Championship; the 54 capped Springbok number eight, Duane Vermeulen, who missed out on the victorious series against the British and Irish Lions due to injury; and finally, his fellow Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx – 38 Caps.
All three have represented the Barbarians once before in matches at Twickenham. Duane in 2013 against Fiji, Pablo against England in 2015 and Malcolm more recently against Argentina in the 2018 nail-biting match that saw a last-minute drop goal seal victory for the Baa-Baas.
Dave Rennie remarked “It’s a huge honour to be invited to coach the Barbarians later this year and it should be a great occasion at Twickenham. The Barbarians are renowned for bringing together leading players from around the world, and the challenge for Coaches is moulding them quickly into a team that can play expansive entertaining rugby for the fans to enjoy.”
He continued, “Humphs is an excellent coach and I look forward to working with him again. We are in the process of assembling a great squad and delighted Duane, Pablo and Malcolm have all accepted to play. Further player announcements will be made in the coming weeks.”
Jonathan Humphreys also commented: “The Barbarians is steeped with so much history, especially in Wales with the 73 game and the Easter Tours. It is special to represent the club as a player, but to now coach them is an even greater responsibility.”
He continued, “I look forward to joining up with Dave and hopefully get the team to put in a special performance on the day and finish off the Autumn Internationals in style.”
A day of high-octane international rugby is expected at Twickenham in this historic double header event, with stars from around the globe representing both the men and women’s teams. Barbarian Women will take on a Springboks Women’s XV following the men’s match at 5.15pm.
The ticket price includes both matches and are selling fast, with a big crowd expected. Secure your seats early and be part of the action from *£35 for adults and kids *£15. Visit: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/barbarians
Hospitality packages are available to purchase from £119 per person via www.twickenhamstadium.com
(*Booking fees apply).
Killik & Co is one of the few remaining independently-owned Wealth Managers, established over 30 years ago to make the benefits of investing accessible to all. Killik & Co has been sponsoring the Barbarians’ UK matches since 2009, and recognises the passion, spirit and skill of the team as qualities in common.
Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to confirm the signing of Oli Jager from the Crusaders with the tighthead prop signing a contract until the summer of 2027.
Hooker Eoghan Clarke is rejoining Munster on a short-term contract with back three player Colm Hogan also returning on a short-term deal.
Jager will join the province in the coming weeks with his contract beginning at the start of December.
Born in London, Jager started out at Naas RFC before playing schools rugby at Newbridge College and Blackrock College. He lined out for the Ireland U18 Schools team in 2013 before moving to Canterbury in New Zealand at the age of 17.
Initially attending the Crusaders International High Performance Unit, he earned a place in the Crusaders Academy in 2014. After impressing with New Brighton RFC, he earned a place in the Canterbury squad for the Mitre 10 Cup in 2016.
Jager made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2017 and has been a key member of their squad for the past seven years, winning seven consecutive Super Rugby titles.
Eoghan Clarke spent three years in the Munster Academy before departing for Jersey Reds in March 2021. A former Ireland U20 international, Clarke won the English Championship with Jersey Reds last season before the club went into liquidation last month.
Colm Hogan, who has lined out for Ireland U20 and Munster A in the past, played his schools rugby with Glenstal Abbey. He captained Dublin University in the AIL and also had a spell with Colomiers in the PRO D2 while studying in France.
The 26-year-old played for Leinster against Chile last year and lined out with recent Munster arrival Alex Nankivell for Tasman Mako in the NPC this year.
Images & Content from Irish Rugby & Images © Inpho Photography
All Blacks captain Sam Cane will take up a sabbatical option in his New Zealand Rugby (NZR) contract in 2024 to play a season for Suntory in Japan League One.
The 31-year-old, 95-Test loose forward will miss the 2024 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season with the Chiefs, but will return to New Zealand in June to be available for selection to the All Blacks for the 2024 Steinlager Series and Rugby Championship campaign.
Cane, who is contracted to NZR through to the end of 2025, said he was looking forward to experiencing a new playing environment with Suntory and learning more about a new culture in Japan.
“When the opportunity to play for Suntory in 2024 came up it felt like the right time following the Rugby World Cup to try something new and also a great chance to continue to grow and learn in my rugby and life journey. I’m grateful to New Zealand Rugby for their support to take this opportunity.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to skip a season with the Chiefs, but I know the team is in a great place and has an incredible group of leaders in the squad and the coaching group to have a successful 2024, and I’m really pleased to be able to return in time to put my best foot forward for selection in the All Blacks.”
NZR CEO Mark Robinson said:
“Sam’s decision to take a sabbatical in 2024 has our full support and we wish him and his family all the best for their time in Japan. There are very few players who have given as much as he has to the jerseys he’s worn in his career to date and it’s a mark of his commitment to the All Blacks that he will return and make himself available for the Test season.”
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan said:
“Sam has given everything to this team on and off the field and deserves to take this opportunity to experience something different. He is an exceptional player and influential leader who has been an integral part of the Gallagher Chiefs for many years. We wish him and his family all the best and hope they enjoy their time in Japan after a full-on year.”
Content & Images from – New Zealand Rugby
Dominant loose forward Luke Jacobson has extended his contract with the Gallagher Chiefs, Waikato and New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2025.
The 18-test All Black was a consistent starter for the Gallagher Chiefs this year and a key element of their outstanding DHL Super Rugby Pacific performances. He consequently went on to be named in the All Blacks squad to travel to France.
Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan is delighted to have Jacobson sticking around for another two seasons.
“Luke is an outstanding player; he’s a workhorse, a consistent performer and considered a real warrior within our group. Luke leads by example both on and off the field. He isnt one to waste words and prefers to let his actions speak for themself. In the absence of some senior players who have moved on, I have no doubt Luke will play an integral part providing the leadership and guidance our younger players will be looking for”.
Jacobson has impressed throughout his career, playing for the New Zealand U20s team twice and captaining them in his second season to win the 2017 U20 World Championship title. This aptitude for leadership has seen him pull on the Gallagher Chiefs captain’s armband on multiple occasions.
Waikato Rugby head coach Ross Filipo is excited about Luke extending his career with Waikato. “He is a great man and a great leader who continues to make huge contributions on and off the field and always represents the region with pride.”
Speaking on his signing Jacobson said: “I’m stoked to signing on with the Waikato, Chiefs and NZR for another two years. I love representing these teams and am very proud to be able to call myself a Waikato/Chiefs man and also and All black. I’m hungry to succeed with these teams and tick off a few unticked boxes.”
The 2024 Gallagher Chiefs squad will be named later this year ahead of assembling for pre-season training.
Content & Images from – New Zealand Rugby
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