Latest news with #Biggar
Extra.ie
4 days ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
TV View: Ronan O'Gara and rest of Sky Sports pundits left underwhelmed by 'flat' Lions Test
Rugby has really missed Sky Sports. Yes, the British broadcasting giants can go over the top. Some of their coverage verges on the hysterical at times. But, boy, can they get viewers excited and engaged ahead of a big match. Yesterday's first Lions Test was no different. From the moment Wolfmother's adrenaline-pumping anthem 'Joker and the Thief' came pumping out during the opening credits, the stall was set out. Warren Gatland. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan Warren Gatland lead a stellar cast of pundits pitchside at a heaving Suncorp Stadium. 'The greatest rugby supporters in the world are in full voice,' said Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne as he passed the torch over to Miles Harrison, Dan Biggar and Ronan O'Gara in the commentary box. Anyone who has ever been to a Top14 or ProD2 game in France would challenge that viewpoint. Anyway, we digress. Ronan O'Gara. Pic: Sky Sports There's something comforting about having Harrison on comms. The voice of so many great Lions moments as well as many heady Heineken Cup days, he was in fine form yesterday. Biggar and O'Gara, meanwhile, have proven an inspired choice on co-commentary duties. The former Test fly-halves mixing insightful analysis with plenty of good humour. Dan Biggar. Pic: Sky Sports Both were full of praise for Finn Russell during that dominant first quarter. Game recognises game. As for some of Andy Farrell's selection calls, Biggar backed the Lions boss. Finn Russell. Pic: Patrick Hamilton/AFP via Getty Images 'Beirne has big games in big games,' said the former Wales out-half after the Munster man snagged his second turnover penalty in the space of 18 minutes. ROG was living every second of this Test match. 'No!' was O'Gara blunt assessment when he saw Jake Gordon shaping to dink a kick behind this suffocating Lions blitz defence. Hugo Keenan duly fielded the ensuing chip with ease. Australia's Nick Frost and Tadhg Beirne of the Lions compete for a lineout. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie But it soon became clear that this was not going to be a Test epic and you could hear O'Gara and Biggar beginning to wane. 'Australia just can't get any momentum,' was the view of Sam Warburton back in the Sky studio. Gatland didn't see much hope for the hosts either during the half-time analysis. 'I'd be pretty happy. The dominance is starting to show in terms of gainline, carries. Australia are hanging in there. They need to score early in the second half. Otherwise this could be a bit of a blowout.' Dan Sheehan scores a try. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan Cue Dan Sheehan crossing after about 90 seconds. Game over. The energy seemed to drain out of Biggar and O'Gara after that. It was becoming obvious that this first game – and perhaps the entire Test series – is going to be one-way traffic. Then Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii seemingly barged his way through Ben Earl and Bundee Aki, two of the second-half cavalry, to give the ailing Aussies a glimmer of hope on the hour mark. No try in the end. It was that kind of night for the hosts. 'Tadhg Beirne is made of concrete,' O'Gara noted as the Wallabies continued to run into a red wall of Lions defenders. In the end, the hosts managed a few consolation scores, but this never really felt like a real contest. 'It just feels a bit flat doesn't it,' Biggar observed in the dying minutes of this encounter. Few would argue with the Welshman's assessment. Even Sky Sports were struggling to hype up what was essentially a non event.
The 42
5 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Third time's a charm as 'matured' Finn Russell primed to lead Lions
TOMORROW WILL HAVE felt a long time coming for Finn Russell. Now 32, the Scotland out-half is on his third Lions tour but Saturday's opening Test with the Wallabies will mark his first time starting a Test game in the famous red jersey. He's had his critics over the years but there's been little argument around his involvement on this tour. We spend months debating selections when it comes to Lions tours but Russell's hold on the 10 shirt has looked locked in for some time now. The past year has arguably been the best of Russell's career. The old spark that makes him such an enjoyable player to watch is still there, but with age comes wisdom and Russell's game management is better than ever. That should perhaps come as no surprise given the road he's travelled, taking in different experiences across three leagues. Russell was a Pro12 winner before he left Glasgow in 2018 to spend five years at Racing, playing four seasons in the highly-competitive Top 14 before signing for Bath in 2023. Under head coach Johann van Graan, Russell has been central to a transformative period for the club. In Russell's first season at the Rec Bath were beaten Premiership finalists – representing their strongest finish in nine years, with Russell an instant hit as he was named Bath Supporters' Player of the Season. This season, Bath kicked on by going all the way in the Premiership for the first time since 1996 – edging Leicester Tigers in the final – while also adding a Challenge Cup title for an impressive double. Advertisement Russell won a double with Bath last season. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo This tour arrives at an ideal time for Russell. In 2017, at the age of 24, he was called up from Scotland's tour of Australia to join Warren Gatland's squad in New Zealand, where Johnny Sexton, Owen Farrell and Dan Biggar were all fighting for the 10 shirt. Russell made just one appearance, replacing Biggar off the bench against the Hurricanes. On the 2021 tour Russell was used off the bench against the Sharks and started against the Sigma Lions. An Achilles injury kept him sidelined for five weeks, with his Test involvement limited to one impressive showing in the third Test, replacing the injured Biggar after just 10 minutes as the Lions fell short against the Springboks. Russell never looked like being the starting 10 on that tour but as one of the Lions' strongest performers on the day, his display left supporters wondering what might have been. Four years later he finally gets a chance to run things from the start. He still plays the Russell way, sniping at defences, throwing those wonderful long passes and using his kicking game to good effect, but it's not entirely a case of just playing what you see. Russell has spoken of how the scrum-halves take some of the decision-making onus off him, allowing the Lions 10 more time to scan and read the pictures in front of him. The Lions are getting a more matured, well-rounded version of Russell than the 'maverick' of a few years ago. This is something Johnny Sexton, previously critical of Russell's game, highlighted during the week, going as far as to single Russell out as 'probably our best defender in the backline on this tour so far'. While he might not be viewed as a 'Test match animal' in the mould of a Sexton or Farrell, he's a more experienced and commanding operator than England pair Fin Smith and Marcus Smith. And despite his laid-back character, Russell's teammates talk of a dedicated trainer who spends more time than most in the video room, looking for ways to unlock the opposition defence. Russell starts alongside Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO He's also become increasingly durable and reliable in terms of his fitness. Before heading on tour Russell had played 31 games for Bath and Scotland across the 2024/25 season. All but one of those came in the starting team, and on 24 occasions he went the full 80 minutes. Russell's total minutes for the past two seasons, 2,319 minutes (24/25) and 2,379 minutes (23/24) are the highest season totals he's clocked across his career. Only six players played more minutes in the Premiership than Russell last season. Bath has proved a good fit for Russell. His flair game suited the type of rugby Racing look to implement, but at Bath, a more structured approach, backboned by a strong pack, helps him dictate the play off quick ball. In a Champions Cup pool clash back in January, a Russell-inspired Bath attack caused Leinster all sorts of problems, leading at half-time before the home side pulled clear in the second period. He's also been able to adapt his game. In the 2024 Six Nations no player had more kicks in play than Russell's 81, a distance clear of Tomos Williams, who was next-best on 50. In 2025 Russell dropped out of the top 10, making just 28 kicks in play across his five outings in the competition. He can still frustrate as part of a frustrating Scotland team – who have managed just two top-three finishes in the Six Nations across the last 10 years – but can thrive if the heavily-fancied Lions find their stride against the Wallabies. Joe Schmidt will still look at Russell and feel there will be opportunities to expose the Lions 10. While Russell will have his homework done on the Wallabies, the home side will also be looking to pick off some of those long Russell passes and put his decision making under pressure. It should help that Russell will be surrounded by familiar faces, with centres Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu forming an all-Scotland 10/12/13 axis – the first time those three positions have been picked from one nation since since the 1993 Lions tour. 3 - With Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, @lionsofficial will start a Test match with a 10/12/13 axis comprised of three players from the same nation for the first time since the opening Test of the 1993 tour of New Zealand, when England trio Rob Andrew, Jerry Guscott… — OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) July 17, 2025 Jones offers an attacking option off Russell's shoulder while Tuipulotu brings ballast and has an important role as a communicator to help Russell read the on-field pictures. And Russell's relationship with Jamison Gibson-Park already looks an ideal match, with the pair forming a quick understanding and showing moments of real quality across the Lions' warm-up games. Many positions in this Lions team have been hotly contested, but for once, Russell's role has been anything but unpredictable.
Wales Online
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Dan Biggar: It would be madness for Welsh rugby to stay as it is and my thoughts on Steve Tandy
Dan Biggar: It would be madness for Welsh rugby to stay as it is and my thoughts on Steve Tandy The former Wales fly-half spoke to WalesOnline about the state of Welsh rugby and what's next Dan Biggar takes a training session with as part of a coaching camp for schoolchildren Dan Biggar insists the Welsh Rugby Union must make radical changes if Wales are to drag themselves out of the doldrums. The men's national side have lost 17 Test matches in a row - a tier one record - while the WRU are still searching for a long-term successor to Warren Gatland who left his post four months ago. With its four professional sides - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - struggling to compete in the latter stages of competitions, Welsh rugby finds itself at a crossroads. Behind the scenes the WRU are working hard on a restructure of the professional game with a reduction of clubs to three or even two being seriously considered. Biggar doesn't pretend to have all the answers but Wales' most capped outside-half believes now is the time to change. "It feels like Welsh rugby is at a crossroads," Biggar tells WalesOnline. "Everyone has got an opinion in Wales. Article continues below "Is it four regions? Is it three? Is it two? Who goes and who stays? "Wales have lost 17 on the spin and haven't won a Test match since the World Cup. "There's not a huge amount of positivity but one thing I'd say is if you are not going to make big drastic decisions now, when will you? "Clearly for the last 17 matches and eight campaigns things haven't been working, have they? "Whether it's the coaches, players, funding or the CEO, for whatever reason things haven't been working. "So, it would be absolute madness for new guys to come in and say we'll keep doing what we are doing. "We have to change. "The expertise of former players and pundits like myself, Jamie (Roberts), Sam (Warburton) lies in the best person to be coach of Wales, the best person to play outside-half, the tactics, substitutions and game plans etc. "I'm not claiming to know all the answers but if you are not going to change things off the back of the last 17 games then you'd be mad to continue doing the same thing with the same level of funding and the same people etc and expect different results." This season the highest-placed Welsh team in the United Rugby Championship - the Scarlets - finished eighth, while the Ospreys reached the quarter-finals of the EPCR Challenge Cup. But Biggar believes it is paramount Welsh players can get more exposure to playing in big knockout games at club level and winning in much the same way he experienced in his early years playing in a star-studded Ospreys side. "If you look at the profile of the squads now it's very much a young team with not much experience," said Biggar. "Boys need to get used to playing in big matches before they go into Test matches. "It's impossible to compare playing for the Ospreys against Connacht, no disrespect to any of those teams, to playing a Test match. "Even teams like Munster and Leinster who aren't fully loaded during international periods then all of a sudden you are expected to go up against South Africa or New Zealand and expect to compete. "They need to get used to playing in bigger matches against better opposition more often. "It's really easy to forget that we went through some really difficult times as well. "Everyone thinks we were just perfect back in the day but we were far from it. "We went through some tough times and some tough losing streaks but what we did have is enough players who had been there and done it in big matches to pull ourselves out of it. "It's a really tough position for those boys to be in but I've got no doubt there's tons of talent in that squad. "What they need to be exposed to more is playing against better teams and bigger matches more often." In his work as a pundit Biggar will undoubtedly get asked his thoughts on who the next head coach of Wales should be. Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy has been heavily linked to the role and is a man Biggar knows well from his time at the Ospreys. "Steve is a brilliant coach, there's no doubt about that," Biggar tells WalesOnline. "I thought from the Lions tour in 2021 he was excellent, clear and concise but it's very very different being a head coach to being a very good defence or attack coach. "In terms of quality they have to have some experience of being a head coach. "I really don't know who is out there, who wants it and who they can afford. "One thing I will say is I'm glad it's not being rushed. "The next three or four decisions, whether it is the regions, the head coach, the coaching staff or the funding, I think those are the decisions that have to be right. "Sometimes before we've made habits of rushing into decisions and maybe not getting it right. "I'm really pleased we've got someone like Dave Reddin coming in who has outwardly said he can be a little bit emotionally unattached which I think is what is needed in Welsh rugby. "You've asked me a direct question so I'll give you a direct answer. "I think Steve would do a brilliant job. "I know that he's a brilliant defence coach and I know that he's loved up in Scotland and on the Lions tour in 2021 but like I said being a head coach is very different to being a very good defence coach." Wales face Japan in the first Test next Saturday and are in desperate need of a victory. Outside-half has been a problem position since Biggar retired and the 34-year-old has backed both Sam Costelow and Dan Edwards to stamp their authority on the number 10 shirt this summer. "When I was a youngster I came into a very different team to what Sam and Dan are coming into at the minute," he said. "I came into a team which had just come off the back of a Grand Slam in 2008. "We had loads of world class and experienced players in the squad. "So, it is very different from when I came into the squad to these current players where they are on a tough losing run and lost a lot of experience after the World Cup and the Six Nations after it. "Nine and 10 is a horrible position when your team aren't winning matches. "I think those two have got tons of talent. "I think they probably need to show, more so than their rugby playing ability, is that character, temperament and personality in the jersey to bond the team and get the team going. "Whoever starts I want them to almost make it look as if it is their team. "I think we get caught up a little bit in Wales with wanting to be brilliant all the time, especially in that number 10 position. "If those two boys walk off the pitch and they've delivered a six and a half and seven out of 10 they are going to give Wales a better chance than if they're eight out of 10 for 10 minutes and then three out of 10 for the next 20 minutes. "Ultimately, it's just so important to get a result on this tour. "Clearly it is going to be incredibly difficult because it is going to be ridiculously hot. "I don't really care how Wales get the job done over the next few weeks but what's most important for the country, team, players and coaches and everyone is that they do get the job done." Despite having recently retired from the game Biggar and his family will remain in France for at least the next couple of years. Biggar will continue his work as a pundit, while he has also set up a rugby academy for kids called Dan Biggar's Rugby Stars in partnership with Yellow Days. "I've got tons of things going on," he said. "There's my media work, some bits and pieces I'm doing with different companies, some leadership executive coaching bits which I love. "We are launching a Dan Biggar's Rugby Stars which is effectively a school camp and programme which we are going to run through the summer holidays and half terms etc. "Basically if a child is aged 5-13 (boys and girls) anyone is welcome. "It's about having fun and trying to get people enthusiastic about the game in Wales because we've probably missed out on a generation. "We are starting off with three or four this summer and I'm going to get myself back for a couple of them as well. 'From my junior rugby days at Gorsenion RFU to playing for Wales and the Lions, rugby has given me enjoyment, and taught me life lessons and values that I want to now pass on to the next generation.' 'Rugby Stars is about showing children how rugby can help you learn new skills, develop confidence and have fun along the way.' The first venues will be in Cardiff and Wrexham. Article continues below "We are excited to be launching Rugby Stars in Wales with Dan Biggar," said Yellow Days founder Emanuele Palladino. "Our mission is to make it easy for parents to book fun activities for their children, and in Dan Biggar we have a role model who represents our values and will help deliver an exceptional experience for future generations of players." You can find more information at and via email at hello@
Wales Online
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Shaun Edwards says Dan Biggar saved his career as world rugby has few things to say to star
Shaun Edwards says Dan Biggar saved his career as world rugby has few things to say to star World rugby legends paid tribute to Dan Biggar after the Wales star officially retired this week Former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards (Image: ) The great and the good of world rugby have paid tribute to Dan Biggar upon his retirement - with Shaun Edwards saying the Wales legend saved his career. Biggar brought the curtain down on his playing days this week, posting on social media confirming "full time" had been called and his boots hung up for the last time. The 35-year-old announced in April that this would be his final season in rugby, finishing his career with club side Toulon. Biggar won 112 caps for Wales in a 15-year international career, becoming his country's most-capped fly-half, while he also starred in the Lions shirt. He bagged three Six Nations titles and featured in three World Cups for this country. Taking to Instagram, the Gorseinon product shared a photo of himself looking out over the empty field at Toulon's Stade Mayol and wrote: "Full-time. Grateful for every moment and ready for what's next." Now, some of the biggest names in the game have come together to offer up their own video tributes to the former Osprey. Article continues below "The bigger the moment, the better he played," Edwards began in a tribute video. "The bigger the game, the better he played." Arguably the world's best player Antoine Dupont said: "Hello Dan. Just a few words to simply congratulate you on your career you had. "Everything you did for Wales, the Lions and the rest of your career that we know. Congratulations on being the talented player you are with an incredible kicking game but also a very brave player." Content cannot be displayed without consent Fellow fly-half legend Jonny Wilkinson added: "Hey Dan, just a little message to say a massive congratulations for what is, for me, a monumental career." Former Wales and Lions team-mate Sam Warburton said: "Biggs! What a shift mate, two Lions tour, Test match tens, centurion for Wales. Legend mate." Fellow Ospreys hero Justin Tipuric added: "I just want to say massive congratulations on an unbelievable career." Leigh Halfpenny, who played alongside Biggar during the halcyon days for Wales, harked back to their time at Gorseinon RFC together. He said: "I remember the impact you had when you first joined us at Gorseinon, I could see you were going to be a special player from a young age." Neil Jenkins, who Biggar developed a close working relationship with during their Wales days, added: "Just want to congratulate you on a fantastic career mate and you wish you all the best in your retirement and I'm sure I'll catch up with you soon." The most poignant message was left to Edwards to deliver, with the former Wales defence coach going as far as to say Biggar saved his career at Twickenham in 2015, when Wales knocked England out of their own World Cup, thanks to some clutch kicking from the fly-half. Edwards: "He is the person that you would want to kick the goal to save your career, as he did with my career in 2015, England vs Wales, World Cup match. Article continues below "Johnny Sexton of Ireland. Owen Farrell of England. Dan Biggar of Wales."
Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Dan Biggar flooded with messages after poignant post and Lions star defends teammates
Tonight's rugby news as Dan Biggar flooded with messages after poignant post and Lions star defends teammates The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Dan Biggar posted this picture as he called time on his career These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, June 24. Biggar confirms it's all over Former Wales international fly-half Dan Biggar has signalled the end of his glittering rugby career as he called "full-time" on his playing days. The 35-year-old announced in April that he would be hanging up his boots for good at the end of the season, having continued to play for club side Toulon after bowing out from Test rugby following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Biggar - who also represented Ospreys and Northampton Saints at club level - won 112 caps for Wales in a 15-year international career, becoming his country's most-capped fly-half. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. He also helped guide Wales to three Six Nations titles and played at three World Cups, reaching the semi-finals in 2019. After Toulon were knocked out of the Top 14 play-offs by Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday, Biggar has confirmed that is now all over for him, with a full-time move into the media awaiting him. Article continues below Taking to Instagram, the Gorseinon product shared a photo of himself looking out over the empty field at Toulon's Stade Mayol and wrote: "Full-time. Grateful for every moment and ready for what's next." A number of rugby stars from Wales and beyond rushed to congratulate Biggar on a stellar career, with another France-based Welsh fly-half, Sam Davies, writing: "Pleasure learning from you and nipping at your heels for a couple of years pal! "Thanks for teaching me all you did.. catch you soon for a [beer] in France. Enjoy retirement and what comes next old boy." Wales star Josh Adams wrote: "Dan you well and truly are the MAN," while Ben White and Melvyn Jaminet both hailed him as a "legend" of the game. Meanwhile, South Africa icon Bryan Habana added: "Some shift you put in mate!! Bonne chance pour la prochaine vie [Good luck for the next life]" Announcing his decision to retire earlier this year, Biggar said: "To have represented my country once was a dream come true, but to have done it 112 times was beyond my wildest dreams. 'While it came with its unique pressures, playing number 10 for Wales was the best job in the world, and I am proud to have done that more than any other player. I can't wait to watch the next generation of Welsh tens do their thing in that famous shirt." Lions star defends teammates Finn Russell has defended his foreign-born British & Irish Lions teammates after their selection in Andy Farrrell's squad was criticised by some of the game's' big names. Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt is among those to have highlighted the ancestry of some members of the touring squad, with former England star Danny Care and five-time Lions tourist Willie John McBride admitting they were uncomfortable with that aspect of the selections. Eight of the Lions' 38-man squad were born, raised and schooled in the southern hemisphere before making the move north, and have since qualified for England, Scotland and Ireland on different grounds. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Ireland stars Bundee Aki, James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park all qualify for their nations on residence grounds, as do Scotland duo Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman. Meanwhile, Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu and Ireland's Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen have always been eligible to play for the Lions due to where their parents or grandparents were born. Schmidt has referred to Aki and Tuipulotu as a "southern hemisphere centre pairing" while Care admitted the selection of foreign-born players "doesn't sit well" with him and McBride said it was the one thing that "bothered" him about the squad. However, Russell says he has "no issues" with where some of his new teammates hail from originally, adding that they are deserving of their place in the touring squad regardless. "For me, as a Scot, I have no issues with them being born in New Zealand or Australia," the fly-half told BBC Sport. "Everyone has their different background and different path into rugby and where we are now. "These boys definitely deserve their spot in the team." Scarlets star to achieve dream Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe is set to realise his dream of representing South Africa on the international stage after being named in Rassie Erasmus' matchday squad to take on the Barbarians this weekend. While the showdown in Cape Town on Saturday is an non-capped match, the 28-year-old will pull on the famous Springboks jersey for the first time after a hugely impressive campaign for the Welsh region saw him named in the URC Team of the Season. Van der Merwe, who has been named among the replacements, is one of four uncapped players included in the matchday squad, with prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye and flanker Vincent Tshituka making the starting lineup and fellow front rower Neethling Fouche also on the bench. It comes after the Scarlets man said he dreamt of representing the Springbok, explaining: 'I think as a child, any South African watching the game, with the Springboks doing well, everyone wants to play for that team, just like people in Wales who grew up watching their team,' he said. 'So everyone wants to play for their nation. It's definitely a thing I am going for, but I focus on the next thing which is helping the Scarlets where I can. Then, through that, I hope the Springbok coaches can see what I bring and see that I have the talent to be there. 'My goal is to get into international rugby. Everyone hopes for that. I just go out and play the best I can every single day. Hopefully that's enough.' After selecting the four uncapped players in his matchday side, Erasmus said: 'They have all slotted into our systems really well and have a good understanding of what we want to do in this match, while it also presents us with a fantastic opportunity to see how they measure up against a handful of experienced players in the Barbarians team. "This may not be an official Test match, but we are approaching it as such, and a good result will hopefully set us on course for an exciting season. 'Asenathi, Vincent, Neethling, and Marnus have all been impressive at training and for their respective franchises this season, and we hope to see them replicate those quality performances in this match.' Barbarians confirm blockbuster squad The Barbarians have also confirmed their blockbuster squad for their clash with South Africa in at DHL Stadium this weekend, with New Zealand dominating the numbers. Robbie Deans has named a 23-man squad littered with international experience, with 18 of those involved holding Test caps and the likes of Ireland centurions Cian Healy, Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray all on board. The Irish trio were the first names confirmed for the fixture earlier this year and they have since been joined by former All Blacks captain Sam Cane and six other New Zealand internationals, namely Shannon Frizell, Hoskins Sotutu, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Leicester Fainga'anuku and Mark Tele'a. England internationals Joe Marchant, David Ribbans and Will Collier are also involved, alongside France's Melvyn Jaminet, Camille Chat and Hassane Kolingar; Uruguay's Santiago Arata Perrone; and Samoa's Paul Alo-Emile. Former Junior Springbok Ruben van Heerden is the lone South African in the squad, while Ricky Riccitelli, Josh Beehre, Lachlan Boshier and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens complete the numbers Deans will announce his matchday squad to face South Africa on Thursday afternoon. Barbarians squad in full: Forwards: Sam Cane, Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy, Shannon Frizell, Hoskins Sotutu, Ricky Riccitelli, Ruben van Heerden, Camille Chat, Will Collier, Hassane Kolingar, Josh Beehre, Paul Alo-Emile, David Ribbans, Lachlan Boshier. Article continues below Backs: Mark Tele'a, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Santiago Arata, Josh Jacomb, Leicester Faingaʻanuku, Joe Marchant.
