Joseph third player confirmed by Barbarian F.C. for Killik Cup encounter

This summer, Jonathan Joseph will don the renowned Barbarian F.C. black and white hooped shirt for the first time in his career, the Club can now reveal.

The Killik Cup will be up for grabs when the 54-time England international lines up at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, June 22 at 5:15 p.m. versus Fiji in the BaaBaas match.

Joseph, 32, has now been officially confirmed to play for the Barbarians, who will be coached by Kiwi Robbie Deans against the Flying Fijians, along with Ben Youngs and Zach Mercer, two more England internationals.

Tickets for the match, which start at £55 for adults and £28 for under-16s, are currently available from Ticketmaster or the RFU. These tickets also grant access to the match between South Africa and Wales. At 2:00 pm, the two world-class fighters square off before Barbarians vs. Fiji.

After graduating from the London Irish academy, Joseph started his illustrious career there, making 44 games over four seasons. After that, the dynamic centre moved to Bath Rugby, where he played for more than ten years and amassed 175 games and 32 tries.

After moving across the channel last summer, Joseph now plays for Biarritz in France’s Pro D2. However, he acknowledges that the opportunity to return to England for the one-off Killik Cup match in June while wearing Barbarians colours was too good to pass up.

“It’s really exciting to think about playing for the Barbarians for the first time,” he stated. In particular, as my career is coming to a conclusion, you never know when you’ll get that chance.

After watching rugby as a child and going on to play professionally, you understand the meaning and essence of representing the Barbarians.

“I’ve been a part of the England team in prior matches against the BaaBaas, and I’ve seen both ends of the outcome. I’ve always believed that playing excellent rugby and being surrounded by elite players must be so much fun, regardless of the outcome.

Now that playing for them is a reality, I’m looking for more of the same this summer. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with a truly remarkable set of guys, and we can’t wait to play some interesting games together.

“The whole experience will be very special when you combine the history of the Barbarians with what will be a very fun week for me personally.” I’m excited to take part in this highly anticipated battle; after all, that’s the main reason you play the game.

One of his nation’s most successful centres, Joseph, 32, has amassed 54 Test caps, three Six Nations championships (2016, 2017, 2020), and one Grand Slam as a result of his achievements in the Red Rose of England.

In addition to touring New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 2017, he was a key player in England’s 2019 Rugby World Cup run to the final. He has also faced Fiji multiple times in the past, including in the 2016 Autumn International series when he scored two tries against the Pacific Islanders.

It’s possible that Joseph’s run on the sacred pitch of Twickenham this summer will be his last, and he thinks that will only enhance his first-ever experience wearing the recognisable black and white hoops of the Barbarians.

Naturally, going back to Twickenham for what could be the last time adds even more significance to the match for me, he stated.

“I’m really excited to meet up with some of the other boys who will be involved as well. That will be a special moment and a great day for me and my family.”

There’s something to look forward to as we’ll have a nice mix of individuals from both the northern and southern hemispheres, but we’ll all arrive to the camp eager to play expansive and entertaining rugby.

Because of their players’ abilities and style of play, Fiji is also arguably the second-favorite team in the globe. They are always thrilling to watch, and this match ought to be a fantastic demonstration of rugby’s fast-paced, free-flowing style.

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