‘It’s an honour and a privilege’ – England duo receive Barbarians call for Fiji clash
Jonny May file photo
England internationals Jonny May and David Ribbans are set to pull on the Barbarians jersey this summer in the Killik Cup clash with Fiji at Twickenham Stadium.
Both players are poised to represent the Baa-Baas for the first time in their careers in the clash against the Flying Fijians on Saturday, June 22, though Ribbans’ inclusion is contingent on whether his club side Toulon qualifies for the semi-finals of the Top 14.
Former Crusaders and Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans will take charge of the invitational side which already includes the likes of Ben Youngs, Zach Mercer, Jonathan Joseph and Danny Care.
Back-to-back games
Over 50,000 people have already secured their seats for the biggest rugby showcase of the summer, with the ticket also including entry to the South Africa v Wales clash, which takes place before the Barbarians v Fiji.
May brought an end to a 10-year international career six months ago after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, having notched up 78 Test match appearances for England – scoring 36 tries along the way to sit second on the all-time try-scoring chart for his nation.
The explosive wing made his England debut in 2013 against Argentina, and announced himself on the international stage the following year with an extraordinary maiden Test try against New Zealand.
May was also the top try-scorer in the 2019 Six Nations as he crossed six times, and on the way to the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final with England, he finished twice against Australia in the quarter-final on his 50th cap.
The 34-year-old came through the Academy system at Gloucester, enjoying two spells with the Cherry and Whites during his career and making just shy of 200 appearances for the Kingsholm outfit so far. He also spent three seasons at Leicester Tigers, recording 30 tries in 44 appearances for the East Midlands side.
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May is yet to represent Barbarian F.C. – but did run out against the invitational team in 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2022 in non-capped internationals for England – and cannot wait to fulfil a lifelong ambition by pulling on the Black and White jersey for the first time.
“The Barbarians are a team you grow up watching and hoping you might get the opportunity to play for one day,” he said. “I’ve been asked to play before but it’s never quite worked out with other commitments, so I’m delighted to get the opportunity now.
“This is a team that everyone is always interested to watch, and it’s an inspiring team to watch as a young player. It’s an honour and a privilege for me to be involved.
“For it to be at Twickenham as well makes it personally very special for me. You never know when the last time is going to be, and this may well be it. It’s always an amazing thing to do whenever you get out on that pitch, at the home of English rugby, and going back there with a different team is pretty awesome.
“I’ve played against the Baa-Baas a few times now, and it’s always a challenging fixture for the international side. You’re coming up against a team with the pressure off them, who are looking to whizz the ball around, so I am really relishing being on the other side of that this time!
“From what you hear, even though you’re effectively playing a Test match at the end of the week, the preparation is unlike any other team and I’m looking forward to seeing what that’s like. The Barbarians put a different perspective on things, strip it back and encourage the team to have some fun, express themselves, and play with freedom.
“It’s an exciting opportunity and I am planning to embrace the occasion, meeting new people and celebrating the game of rugby.”
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Ribbans ready for call
After earning 11 international caps for England since his debut in 2022, Ribbans made the move across the channel to Toulon after last year’s Rugby World Cup.
The towering 28-year-old lock has helped the French giants break into Top 14 play-off contention this season, making 19 appearances so far following his switch to the Côte d’Azur from Premiership side Northampton Saints (where he notched up 121 matches in seven seasons in England).
“It’s really exciting to be considered for selection for the Barbarians – one of the most historic and well-known rugby clubs in the world,” said Ribbans.
“Obviously, I’m focused now on the Top 14 run-in with Toulon, and completely committed to the team. We’ve put ourselves in a great position to qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition this summer.
“But, if I am available to play for the Baa-Baas, it will be a dream come true to wear that Black and White jersey for the first time. I am really excited about what the next few months has in store.”