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England rugby legend Danny Care is set to join Barbarian FC for the first time this summer after announcing his retirement from international rugby.
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At 37 years old the scrum-half has had a distinguished 16-year Test career earning 101 caps for England. His next appearance at Twickenham Stadium will be with the Barbarians as they face Fiji on June 22 for the Killik Cup. The team – led by coach Robbie Deans – will face off against the Flying Fijians.
Tickets are available now offering fans not only the Barbarians vs Fiji game but also the South Africa vs Wales match in the Qatar Airways Cup.
Care – who RugbyPass understands is about to sign a one-year contract extension with the Harelquins – joins England teammates Ben Youngs Zach Mercer and Jonathan Joseph in the Barbarians squad for what promises to be a memorable day of rugby.
Having broken Harlequins’ all-time appearance record with 369 games and securing numerous titles including two Premiership crowns Care’s illustrious career has also seen him represent England at nine levels and win a Commonwealth Games silver in Sevens. His Test debut came in 2008 against New Zealand and he reached 100 Test caps this month. With 84 points for England three Six Nations titles and participation in every knockout match of last year’s Rugby World Cup Care’s move to the Barbarians marks another highlight in his exceptional career.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to be chosen to represent the Barbarians this summer,” he said. “You don’t get too many firsts at this stage of your career, but this has been a long time coming!
“It’s nearly happened a few times over the last few years, but now the stars have aligned and I cannot wait to finally wear that famous black and white shirt. To do it at Twickenham as well is going to be so, so special for me.
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“It’s hard to pinpoint what I am most excited about, as I’m really looking forward to experiencing the whole week. I’ve heard so many amazing stories from really good friends of mine who have done it before.
“The chance to meet, bond, train with and then play alongside a group of players who I have admired and played against before in my career is going to be a unique experience. I’ll also get the opportunity to run out alongside some old friends as well, which will be really cool.
“I’ve always watched the BaaBaas with such affection because of their style and how the team approaches the game. I feel like the Barbarians and myself could be a match made in heaven, so I really can’t wait to throw my own bit of flair into an already incredible team.
He said: “I’ve played against the Barbarians quite a few times, facing some absolute legends of the game in the process.
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“There’s been some bad memories of playing against them as well for sure! I’ve chased a lot of shadows, missed some tackles and got beaten up a few times. So, I can’t wait to experience being in that side, putting on that black and white jersey for the first time, and trying to put on a show for the thousands of fans who will turn out to watch at Twickenham.
“You never know when it will be your final time running out at Twickenham, so it’s really nice to know I am definitely heading back there again so soon after I announced my international retirement.
“The stadium is a place that holds so many amazing memories for me – not least the one a few weeks ago when I got to run out for England for the 100th time with my kids by my side – so it will be a special day and my family are excited to see it.”
General admission tickets are on sale now – visit Ticketmaster, Ticketek or RFU to secure your seat.
Each ticket will cover entry for both South Africa vs Wales (K.O. 2pm) and Barbarians vs Fiji (K.O. 5.15pm) on Saturday 22 June. For a 10% discount on groups of 10 or more, please visit www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/events. Hospitality packages are also available now, starting from £179 per person – visit www.twickenhamstadium.com to purchase now.
