Barbarians statement: Killik Cup fixture confirmed versus Fiji

Killik Cup fixture confirmed : Fiji’s first game since their recent run to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals will be against the Barbarians, who are coached by Robbie Deans.

The Pacific Islanders advanced to the round of eight at France 2023, losing to England in Marseille. Next June, they will resume their Test team matches at Twickenham, the home of English rugby, with the Killik Cup on the line.

 

 

The Baa-Baas, who won the cup last May in London under the direction of Eddie Jones, will defend it against Fiji, whose victory over Australia in September’s pool stage made it possible for them to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2007.

“Barbarian FC is thrilled to announce an unmissable fixture against Fiji at Twickenham Stadium in the summer of 2024,” a statement stated. On Saturday, June 22, Robbie Deans will lead the Barbarians against an all-star Fiji lineup in the Killik Cup match.

 

“Deans, a 64-year-old Kiwi, will be leading the Baa-Baas for the sixth time; he oversaw wins against Ireland (2015), Fiji (2016), and South Africa (2016), as well as losses against New Zealand (2017) and England (2015). He most recently assisted Warren Gatland as a coach during the 2019 Barbarians vs. Wales match.

The Flying Fijians advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in sixteen years, winning over the neutrals with their fast-paced style of play and going all the way to the final eight. However, they were eliminated by England in a close match.

 

“The Barbarians have played Fiji four times so far, winning twice at Twickenham in 2013 under Steve Hansen’s coaching and at Kingspan Stadium in 2016 under Deans’ coaching. But in their most recent match, which took place at Twickenham in 2019, Fiji emerged victorious, defeating an Eddie Jones-led Baa-Baas team 33–31.

 

Simi Valenitabua, the acting head coach of Fiji, stated: “Playing the Barbarians is a wonderful opportunity.” They have a fantastic reputation for playing fantastic running rugby, which is very similar to the Fijian way of playing the game.

 

“Fiji is appreciative of the opportunity to play rugby at Twickenham, a legendary venue, against the Barbarians. Throughout its illustrious 130-year existence, the club has fielded numerous rugby greats. These kinds of matches, in addition to World Rugby’s ongoing sponsorship of Fijian Drua Super Rugby, are extremely beneficial to Fijian rugby.

“I’m very excited to return to Twickenham,” Deans continued. It’s a location where you can just lace up your boots and go play when you step out into that arena. You can’t do that indefinitely, of course, so I’m excited to take advantage of the chance to go back there.

 

“We are honoured to wear the Barbarians jersey, and we will undoubtedly be inspired to perform and play in the traditional, free-flowing Baa-Baas style. The Barbarians are, in my opinion, the guardians of the game’s essence. My introduction to the game came from seeing that incredible Barbarians try at Cardiff Arms Park in 1973, and I’m sure it did the same for a lot of other people.

 

The Barbarians’ spirit was kindled by that moment. The Barbarians serve as a reminder to us all that rugby is ultimately just a game and that we have a duty to the generations that come after. The game was amateur at the time, and it is clear that professional players are paid well today.

 

“Fiji has demonstrated excellent rugby play, and there is no doubt that they will continue to improve. With the Fijian Drua’s access to Super Rugby, they have benefited greatly and will only get stronger thanks to their depth.

 

Before the World Cup, everyone would have known about the likes of (Waisea) Nayacalevu and (Levani) Botia, who are incredible football players. All in all, though, their teamwork skills improved and impressed. Since Fiji was victorious in their previous match at Twickenham, I’m sure they’ll be eager to replicate the fireworks at the home English rugby match.

 

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