Latest World XV high-profile recruit is an ex-All Blacks assistant

Brad Mooar has become the latest high-profile name to become involved in next month’s bumper Killik Cup match at Twickenham, the former All Blacks assistant joining Steve Hansen’s World XV coaching group for the London showdown versus the Barbarians-coached Eddie Jones.

Mooar was part of the Scotland set-up during the recent Six Nations championship and boasts previous international experience having served as attack coach for New Zealand from 2020 to 2022.

He also enjoyed a stint in Wales in charge of Scarlets from 2019 to 2020, and previously was involved within the Crusaders set-up, working as the attack coach under Scott Robertson and helping the side to three Super Rugby titles.

A string of rugby’s most exciting players – including Semi Radradra, Marika Koroibete and Ngani Laumape and Charles Piutau – have all been approached to play for the World XV on May 28, and Mooar can’t wait to link up with both the squad and old mentor Hansen.

Mooar said: “I’m super pumped to be part of the World XV coaching set up with Steve Hansen – it’s massively exciting. To be coaching some of the world's best players, bringing them together, and being part of a special week of bonding and learning off each other is going to be a huge privilege.

“It’s also a great opportunity for me to learn more about the game, and how different players see the game. I’m really grateful for the opportunity that I have been given to be part of it. The challenge of coaching against the Barbarians is a great one.

"I love the Barbarians concept and all the team’s history. I love the connection with the Phil Bennett sidestep, and that great try from Gareth Edwards back in the day is iconic.

“I know that Eddie will have them well prepared and they will have some tricks up their sleeve. I’m looking forward to the challenge of preparing for a game at the highest level, whilst also not knowing exactly what is going to come. We will be looking to put our own stamp on the game as well.

“It will be great to be working alongside Steve again. Our relationship goes back to the mid-90s when he was my coach, and that relationship has grown ever since. He has been a huge support to me and my career, so the chance to work alongside him in a campaign like this is hugely exciting.

“Our conversations have already been really fruitful about how to put this team together, the type of game we want to play, and the opportunity that we’ll have with these guys in the week leading up to the game and then in the game itself. I can’t wait to get alongside Steve and get amongst it.”

• General admission tickets for the Barbarian FC vs World XV clash are on sale now from www.ticketmaster.co.uk/barbarians for just £25 for adults and £15 for U16s.
• For a 10 per cent discount on groups of ten or more, visit www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/events