Another Premiership club fills the calendar with a Barbarians date

Harlequins have followed Northampton in securing a fixture with the famed Barbarians to help plug the unexpected gaps in their playing calendar following the sudden reduction in the Gallagher Premiership from 13 to eleven clubs. With Worcester and Wasps having both fallen by the wayside in recent weeks, the remaining top-flight clubs have been looking at ways to pad out their schedule.

The Saints were first off the mark last Friday. They had been due to host Worcester on November 26 but will instead welcome Scott Robertson’s Barbarians to Franklin’s Gardens on that Saturday. Harlequins have now also muscled in on the act. They had already lost an away date at Worcester earlier this month and with their November 13 match at Wasps also scratched, they will instead host the Barbarians at The Stoop on November 17.

A club statement read: “Harlequins are thrilled to announce that the famous invitational side Barbarian FC will next month face a full-strength Harlequins team. Following disruption to the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership fixtures and loss of match days, Harlequins have confirmed they will host the iconic Baa-Baas on Thursday, November 17.

“Kicking off at 19:45 under the Thursday night lights at the Twickenham Stoop, this will be the first time the teams have ever met. It means that two of the most entertaining sides in world rugby will come blow to blow in what is set to be a thrilling encounter in London between two sides famed for their attacking brands of rugby.”

Harlequins head coach Tabai Matson said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Baabaas to The Stoop. If you talk about the great entertainers of the sport, the Barbarians are right at the top end of that list. First of all, it’s a huge privilege for the club to be able to host such a prestigious side, but it’s also a fantastic challenge for us as a team.

“We will be going at this with a strong Harlequins team on a weekend that also sees our current Premiership Cup squad travel to Sale. We know that they are bringing an incredibly strong team too and so this promises to be an outstanding match and a real test for our players. I’m sure this will be an enthralling encounter and hope the Stoop faithful enjoy a bumper evening under the Thursday night lights.”

Barbarians head coach Robertson added: “We are thrilled to be bringing the Barbarians to The Stoop. We are building a very strong side and are looking forward to announcing some star names in the coming days. We will showcase the Barbarians’ signature style of flair and passion in what will be an electrifying match against an exciting Harlequins team. It promises to be a very special evening.”

Later on Tuesday, another Barbarians fixture was announced, this time versus Bath on November 20. It will be the Baa-Baas’ first match at The Rec since 1994.