Latest news with #Barbarians'
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Deans: Barbarians out to rattle Boks in historic Cape Town clash
Barbarians head coach Robbie Deans has full confidence in his international stars ahead of their enticing Cape Town clash with the Springboks. Speaking on Heart FM's Super Saturdays with Jeremy Harris , Deans praised the Barbarians' pride, history, and player quality as key motivators. He emphasized the importance of playing with intent against the reigning world champions in their home country for the first time ever. 'These players are proud men who carry proud histories,' said Deans. 'They don't want to tarnish their reputations on the field.' He said they aim to present a genuine challenge, not just for the Barbarians jersey, but in respect for the international stage itself. The match, set for Saturday, 28 June at Cape Town Stadium, marks the Barbarians' first game ever on South African soil. It's also the ninth meeting between the sides and their first since a thrilling 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in 2016. Deans acknowledged the Springboks as the 'greatest team in the game' and believes the Barbarians must rise to that standard. He said, 'They will respect the Springboks, but they won't want to spend the day chasing them all over the field.' With limited time to prepare, Deans must quickly unite a high-calibre squad featuring legends from Ireland and New Zealand. Included in the line-up are Irish stars Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray, alongside All Blacks Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell. 'The timing's tough, but we'll put together a combination built on passion and respect for the Barbarians opportunity,' Deans stated. He noted that while preparation time is short, commitment and camaraderie will be the foundation of the team's performance. HISTORY, CAMARADERIE AND RESPECT AT THE HEART OF OCCASION Deans views the upcoming game as more than a contest — it's a celebration of rugby values and lifelong rivalries turned partnerships. 'It's unique – first time ever in South Africa, and it brings together players who've been opponents for over a decade,' he said. With retiring greats like Peter O'Mahony captaining the side and former foes uniting, Deans says the event will be truly special. 'For Peter and Sam to play side by side … it reflects what rugby is – tradition, respect, and mutual admiration,' he concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
BBC News
10-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wales rugby: Iconic 1973 JPR Williams rugby shirt sells for £27k
A rugby jersey worn by the late Wales legend JPR Williams in what is considered one of the sport's greatest ever games has been auctioned off for £27, jersey was worn in the Barbarians' 1973 match against the All Blacks, in which Williams was instrumental in this famous 23-11 Wales and Lions full-back, died in January 2024 aged 74, was an icon of Wales' dominance of the 1970s, winning three Five Nations Grand Rogers Jones and Co described him as "a revolutionary player who changed the way full backs played the beautiful game". The jersey was worn by Williams in the 1973 fixture - during which Sir Gareth Edwards scored one of the most memorable tries in formed part of a collection of items sold at an auction on Thursday. It was a "white glove sale", meaning all of the items were successfully sold, and auctioneer Ben Rogers Jones said it was "a special honour and privilege" to coordinate."JPR Williams was one of my heroes, as he was to so many others," he said."There was interest from across the rugby playing nations and we are delighted to have achieved some fantastic prices." Mr Rogers Jones added that, while Edwards' try was well-documented, "it is sometimes overlooked that JPR scored the crucial try to clinch the match for the Baa-baas", making the jersey "an important item of sporting memorabilia"."We were so pleased that, at the auction, JPR's performance that day wasn't overlooked as the price soared to £27,500 with a bidder on the phone in London winning the top prize," he collection sold to a global audience, with buyers in Australia, Switzerland and France, as well as Wales and across the UK.
