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Barbarians appoint Australian coaches for their September tour
By Liam Heagney
The Barbarians’ recent penchant for appointing Australian coaches will continue in September when the world’s most famous invitational rugby team re-assembles in Bristol for the start of their next tour.
It was last November when John Mulvihill took the reins from New Zealand’s Scott Robertson for the Baa-Baas' three-game tour versus Gallagher Premiership clubs after they had defeated an All Blacks XV in the Killik Cup at Tottenham.
Mulvihill was again in charge recently against Swansea three days after the Eddie Jones-coached Barbarians defeated Steve Hansen’s World XV in a Killik Cup thriller at Twickenham, and the Australian theme will now continue when the Baa-Baas take on Pat Lam’s Bears on September 7 – the night before the 2023 Rugby World Cup gets underway in Paris with France hosting the All Blacks.
A statement read: “Australian quartet Jason Gilmore, Berrick Barnes, Nathan Grey and Laurie Fisher will take charge of the world-famous Barbarians when they take on Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate. Pat Lam’s men will take on the iconic invitation side in a sensational curtain raiser for the new campaign, with live music and an international party atmosphere in BS3.
“Gilmore, the current NSW Waratahs assistant coach, has previously coached at Queensland Reds and the Australia U20s.
"Barnes, a former dual-code star and 51-cap Wallaby international is a current member of NRL side Newcastle Knights’ coaching staff. The 35-cap Wallaby centre Nathan Grey is the former Australia and NSW Waratahs defence coach, while former Gloucester coach Fisher is the current assistant coach of the Brumbies.”
Bristol boss Lam said: “Having had the honour of coaching the Barbarians on two occasions, I must congratulate Jason, Laurie, Nathan and Berrick on their appointments for the UK tour. Everyone in Bristol is excited to welcome the Barbarians to Ashton Gate in September for what promises to be another memorable occasion in the city.”
Other tour matches currently pencilled in for the Barbarians are September 30 at Munster and October 7 at Harlequins.
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Latest Comments
Yes. Departure of good coaches for no externally visible reason. Not even a cover story. Could be a major rugby disagreement or a compensation issue. Or maybe it's about an interventionist RFU administration. Whatever the reason it does look like a raised middle finger.
Go to commentsNo. He’s needed back home. Potential future Bok coach once Rassie gets tired and retires. Ackerman is key to sourcing and unlocking future talent. What a score for SA rugby.
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