Former England and Bath centre Jonathan Joseph is the third confirmed player to join up with the Barbarians ahead of their clash with Fiji this summer.
Joseph-who has won 54 caps for England-becomes the latest English international to agree to play for the historic invitational team, joining Ben Youngs and Zach Mercer in the squad.
The Biarritz man has previously played against the Barbarians for England, however this will be his first time donning the famous black and white hoops, and it’s a prospect he’s excited for.
“The prospect of playing for the Barbarians for the first time is incredibly exciting,” he said. “Especially getting towards the end of my career, as you never know that you are going to get that opportunity.”
“Growing up watching rugby and then playing professionally, you see what playing for the Barbarians means and what it is all about. I’ve been in and around the England squad when we’ve faced the BaaBaas previously, and come out on both sides of the result.
“Win or lose, I always thought it looked like so much fun, to be playing brilliant rugby and surrounded by world-class players.”
Joseph’s return to Twickenham
Joseph was an ever present in the England midfield during his international career.
He burst onto the scene in 2012, making his debut off the bench against South Africa, and went onto add 53 more caps. During his international career, he won three Six Nations titles and played in the 2019 World Cup Final.
This game against Fiji could be the final time Joseph runs out on the hallowed turf of Twickenham, which he says will be a ‘special moment’ for him.
“Returning to Twickenham for possibly the final time gives the game some extra meaning for me,” he said.
“That will be a special moment, a great day for me and my family, and I’m really looking forward to joining up with some of the other boys who are going to be involved as well.
How to book tickets
The game vs Fiji is part of a blockbuster international double header at Twickenham, which also sees World Champions South Africa take on Wales.
Tickets for the clash are on sale now from Ticketmaster, Ticketek or the RFU – starting from £55 for Adults or £28 for Under-16s – and also include entry to the Qatar Airways Cup showdown between South Africa and Wales. The two international heavyweights go toe-to-toe at 2.00pm, ahead of Barbarians vs Fiji.
