Barbarians vs Fiji

LONDON, 14 December 2023

Barbarian F.C. are delighted to announce an unmissable fixture against Fiji at
Twickenham Stadium in the summer of 2024.

The Killik Cup will be on the line on Saturday 22 June (kick-off 3pm), with Robbie Deans
leading the Barbarians against an all-star Fiji line-up – who set pulses racing at this
autumn’s Rugby World Cup on their way to the quarter-finals.

John Spencer, President of the Barbarians, said: “We’re thrilled to be returning to
Twickenham and facing Fiji, a fixture that always brings huge enjoyment to players and
fans alike.

“As we saw so brilliantly demonstrated during the men’s Rugby World Cup 2023, Fiji play
rugby with huge passion and creativity on display – very much the style of the
Barbarians. The Killik Cup 2024 will be an incredible showcase of passion, flair and fast-
paced rugby from both sides. We can’t wait.”

This will be Deans’ sixth time coaching the BaaBaas; the 64-year-old Kiwi masterminded
victories over Ireland (2015) and Fiji (2016), and oversaw a draw with South Africa
(2016), as well as defeats to New Zealand (2017) and England (2015). Most recently, he
coached alongside Warren Gatland when the Barbarians faced Wales in 2019.

“I’m very excited to return to Twickenham,” Deans said. “It’s a place where you step out
into that arena, and you just want to lace up your boots and play. Obviously, you can’t do
that forever, so I’m looking forward to making the most of this opportunity to get back
there.

“It’s a privilege to pull that Barbarians jersey on, and we’ll certainly be motivated to put
on a show and play with the classic, free-flowing style of the BaaBaas.”

Deans has been Director of Rugby of Saitama Wild Knights since 2014, winning five
Japanese league titles in his tenure in Ōta City. Previously, the five-cap All Black spent
five years coaching Australia (2008-13), after eight years with the Crusaders (2000-08)
where he also won five Super Rugby championships.

And despite enjoying a distinguished coaching career so far, Deans insists that taking the
helm with the BaaBaas remains one of the highest honours available in rugby.

“For me, the Barbarians are the gatekeepers of the soul of the game,” he said.

“Witnessing that unbelievable Barbarians try at Cardiff Arms Park in 1973 is what latched
me onto the game, and I’ve got no doubt that it had the same impact on a lot of people.

“The moment ignited the spirit of the Barbarians. The game was amateur at the time,
and now obviously people are well-paid professional players, but the Barbarians remind
us all that rugby is still a game at the end of the day, and that we have a responsibility to
the generations that follow.”

For Fiji, it will be a first return to HQ since their stunning 30-22 victory over England (the
first time they had ever defeated the Red Rose) in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match
back in August.

The Flying Fijians went from strength to strength at the tournament in France, capturing
the hearts of the neutrals with their high-octane style of play and reaching the last eight
for the first time in 16 years, before a narrow quarter-final loss to England.

“Playing the Barbarians is a wonderful opportunity for the Flying Fijians,” said Simi
Valenitabua, Interim Administrator at Fiji Rugby Union. “They come with a great
reputation of fantastic running rugby, very similar to the Fijian philosophy for how we like
to play the game.

“Fiji is grateful for the chance to play against the Barbarians at Twickenham, an iconic
rugby venue. The Club has a rich 130-year history with many of the greats of rugby
representing them in that time.

“Games like these are invaluable to Fiji Rugby, alongside World Rugby’s continued
support to our game with the Fijian Drua Super Rugby team.”

Boasting a star-studded line-up which includes the likes of Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi
Radradra, Levani Botia, and Josua Tuisova among others, Deans has been impressed with
the progress Fiji have made on the pitch over the last 12 months.

He said: “They have played some great rugby, and they’re only going to get better
without a doubt. Access to Super Rugby with the Fijian Drua has been a fillip for them;
it’s helped with their depth, so they’re going to go from strength to strength.

“Everyone would have been aware of them before the World Cup, but the likes of
Nayacalevu and Botia are remarkable footballers. Across the board though, they
impressed, and grew in terms of their teamwork.

“The last time Fiji played at Twickenham they were successful, so I’m sure they will be
keen to recreate those fireworks again at the home English rugby.”

Barbarian F.C. are the current holders of the Killik Cup, having edged out the World XV
48-42 in last summer’s blockbuster showdown at HQ.

They have faced Fiji four times to date, winning twice in 2013 (coached by Steve Hansen
at Twickenham Stadium) and 2016 (coached by Deans at Kingspan Stadium). But the
most-recent meeting between the sides in 2019 ended 33-31 to Fiji, as they overcame a
BaaBaas team led by Eddie Jones in a ten-try thriller at Twickenham.

BJ Mather, General Manager of High Performance at Fiji Rugby, added: “These matches
play an important role in the development of our players on the international stage.
“Our 2019 fixture against the Barbarians provided a brilliant building block, which
culminated in a successful Rugby World Cup campaign in 2023.

“This match will start that four-year process again and we look forward to an action-
packed day full of tries and entertaining rugby for the fans at Twickenham.”

*booking fees apply

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Barbarian F.C.

Barbarian F.C. is affectionately known as the world’s most famous rugby club.
Steeped in history, the Club dates back to 1890, born with a simple aim; to spread
good fellowship by creating a team made up of the greatest rugby players from
around the world. With neither ground nor clubhouse, its membership is by invitation
only, and their jersey has always been black and white.

The Barbarians’ values are rooted in flair, courage, spirit and passion, alongside
integrity, friendship and enjoyment. The Club aims to take the unique Barbarian
brand of rugby and core values around the world through fixtures and supporting
rugby through the Barbarians Rugby Charitable Trust.

Barbarian Women was formed in 2017, with their first fixture against Munster. The
women’s side has since played in the USA, South Africa, at Twickenham and at the
Principality Stadium including as part of double headers with the men’s side.

Over the years, 34 different nationalities have represented the ‘BaaBaas’, and
players from across the globe will once again come together in the week leading up
to the fixture in June to form one formidable Barbarians squad to take on Fiji.

About Killik & Co