Bridge among trio the Barbarians have added to face All Blacks XV

Out-of-favour All Blacks winger George Bridge has been added to Scott Robertson’s Barbarians squad to take on an All Blacks XV in London next month. The 27-year-old, who was recently announced as a new Montpellier signing for the 2023/24 Top 14 season in France, was named by the Baa-Baas for the November 13 match at Tottenham along with Camille Chat and Josua Tuisova.

A statement read: “Barbarian FC have announced three global stars of rugby - George Bridge, Camille Chat and Josua Tuisova - will be joining the squad in London ahead of the Killik Cup against All Blacks XV on Sunday, November 13. The Barbarians are also set to play a number of domestic fixtures following the disruption to the Gallagher Premiership calendar.

“The famous invitational side has appointed Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara to lead them for the Killik Cup, with England and Montpellier star Zach Mercer already named in the squad and more players to be announced in the coming days.

“Joining Mercer in the Barbarians squad are three huge names in the world of rugby: New Zealand’s George Bridge, France’s Camille Chat and Fiji’s Josua Tuisova. Crusader Bridge, who will soon be heading to Mercer’s club Montpellier in France, already has a Barbarians appearance alongside his 18 caps for the All Blacks, turning out against England in 2017.

“Camille Chat joins the squad from French Top 14 side Racing 92 where he has made 144 appearances since joining the side in 2015. The hooker has 33 caps for France and will be making his Barbarians debut.

“Another power player joining the Barbarians is flying Fijian winger Josua Tuisova. Currently playing for Lyon in the Top 14, Tuisova has 19 caps for Fiji and an Olympic gold medal to his name as part of Fiji’s Olympic 7s winning team at Rio 2016, the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.”

Head coach Robertson, who coaches Bridge at the Crusaders, said of the Kiwi winger: “He is a hard worker, he is tough and he’s a winner. George is such a good honest man and we can all call him a great mate.”