Kyle Sinckler will have the chance to sign off from English rugby in style, by making his Barbarians debut against Fiji at Twickenham next month.
The 31-year-old Londoner will swap Bristol for Toulon this summer, pressing at least pause on his England career on heading to France.
The Harlequins academy graduate will have the chance for one last west London hurrah, across the road from The Stoop, his home of some 16 years, junior age groups included.
Wandsworth native Sinckler does have full-blown plans to return from France and target adding to his 68 England caps in time for the 2027 World Cup. But before all that he reunite with old Quins team-mate Danny Care for one more runout at English rugby’s headquarters.
“It’s a massive honour to be asked to represent the Barbarians,” said the seven-cap British and Irish Lion.
“I remember growing up watching the BaaBaas, thinking they were like the Harlem Globetrotters of rugby, a team playing a unique style, packed full of superstar players.
“It is definitely something I’ve always wanted to experience myself. I’ve always loved learning from other players who have achieved great things in their careers.
“You want to ask the right questions and be a keen observer of what the best players in the world are doing to get better. Especially in the front-row, there’s always more to learn, so I can’t wait to get started and will enjoy everything the Barbarians experience has to offer.”
The Barbarians will host Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday, June 22, in a bumper double-header, their clash following directly on from South Africa’s clash with Wales.
Tickets covering entry for both matches are available now, with Sinckler excited about his BaaBaas bow.
“I always love going back to Twickenham, I made my England debut there back in 2016,” said Sinckler.
“Every time you walk through the gates there, and see all the fans as you run out onto the pitch, it’s like you’re doing it for the first time again.
“The BaaBaas mean so much to the rugby community, and I don’t think you could line up a more perfect opponent than Fiji for this game – it will be like a boxing match where the two fighters complement each other and create an incredible spectacle.”
