Former Scarlets head coach Brad Mooar will link up with Steve Hansen's World XV coaching group for the star-studded clash against the Barbarians later this year.
Mooar, who took charge of the Scarlets for a year before his home country New Zealand came calling with a vacancy as attack coach, is has been working under Gregor Townsend with Scotland on a consultancy basis after leaving the All Blacks job last year in a backroom reshuffle.
Next month, he will play his part in the star-studded clash against the Baa-Baas, coached by former England boss Eddie Jones.
Mooar previously played under former Wales coach Hansen during his playing days and says he is excited to be involved in the fixture on May 28.
“I’m super pumped to be part of the World XV coaching set up with Steve Hansen – it’s massively exciting,” said Mooar. “To be coaching some of the world's best players, bringing them together, and being part of a special week of bonding and learning off each other is going to be a huge privilege.
“It’s also a great opportunity for me to learn more about the game, and how different players see the game. I’m really grateful for the opportunity that I’ve been given to be part of it.
“The challenge of coaching against the Barbarians is a great one. I love the Barbarians concept and all the team’s history. I love the connection with the Phil Bennett sidestep, and that great try from Gareth Edwards back in the day is iconic.
“I know that Eddie will have them well prepared, and they’ll have some tricks up their sleeve. I’m looking forward to the challenge of preparing for a game at the highest level, whilst also not knowing exactly what's going to come. We’ll be looking to put our own stamp on the game as well.”
A string of rugby’s most exciting players – including Semi Radradra, Marika Koroibete, Ngani Laumape and Charles Piutau – have all been approached to play for the World XV at Twickenham on 28 May, and Mooar admits he cannot wait to link up with both the squad and old mentor Hansen.
Mooar added: “It’ll be great to be working alongside Steve again. Our relationship goes back to the mid-90s when he was my coach, and that relationship has grown ever since. He’s been a huge support to me and my career, so the chance to work alongside him in a campaign like this is hugely exciting.
“Our conversations have already been really fruitful about how to put this team together, the type of game we want to play, and the opportunity that we’ll have with these guys in the week leading up to the game and then in the game itself. I can’t wait to get alongside Steve and get amongst it.”
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