Barbarians add another England international to squad to face Fiji

Kyle Sinckler has become the latest England international to be called up to the Barbarians squad to face Fiji at Twickenham. The 68-cap England tighthead brought his time in England to an end for now on Saturday ahead of his move from Bristol Bears to Toulon this summer, but will run out at Twickenham again before he heads to France in a side coached by former Wallabies boss Robbie Deans. He joins a lengthy list of England internationals that will don the black and white hoops on June 22, including Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Zach Mercer, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May and his future Toulon teammate David Ribbans.

It will be the first time that the 31-year-old plays for the Barbarians, but he has faced them twice in an England jersey. The match will be Sinckler’s last taste of international rugby for a while, as his move to the Top 14 will make him ineligible to play for England. He has, however, emphasised his desire to return to England. “First and foremost, it’s a massive honour for me to be asked to represent the Barbarians,” said Sinckler. “I remember growing up and watching the BaaBaas, thinking they were like the Harlem Globetrotters of rugby – a team playing with a unique style, packed full of superstar players. It is definitely something I’ve always wanted to experience myself. “I’m excited to connect with a new group of players, some of whom I will have played alongside before, and others who I’ll only ever have played against previously.

“The Barbarians is obviously a more laid-back environment, but there’s essentially a Test match against Fiji to prepare for at the end of the week, so I’m looking forward to seeing how this group of world-class players approach it. “Whether it’s been with England, the Lions, or in club rugby, I’ve always loved learning off other players who have achieved great things in their careers. “You want to ask the right questions and be a keen observer of what the best players in the world are doing to get better. “Especially in the front row, there’s always more to learn, so I can’t wait to get started and will enjoy everything the Barbarians experience has to offer.”

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