You are in > manchester.com  > News > Robinson in Baa-Baas squad

Rugby Union

Robinson in Baa-Baas squad

26/11/2007

Retiring England full-back Jason Robinson has been included in the Barbarians squad for his final first-class rugby union appearance this weekend.

The invitational side play world champions South Africa in west London and Sale Sharks hero Robinson will play his final professional match at the stadium, where he is expected to receive a rousing send-off.

The Barbarians will be captained by England hooker Mark Regan, who played for his country at the recent Rugby World Cup in France.

In all, seven nations will be represented in the squad - New Zealand (six players); England (four); Wales (four); Australia (four); South Africa (two); Fiji (one); and Italy (one).

There are also several top-class international players in the squad, including All Black flanker Jerry Collins, England prop Andrew Sheridan and Australian utility back Matt Giteau.

Retiring Wales flanker Martyn Williams is also listed in the Baa-Baas squad, which will be coached by Ireland's Eddie O'Sullivan.

"I was honoured to be invited to prepare the team for such an historic and high-profile fixture," the coach said.

"The assembled squad has an exciting mix of home-grown and overseas talent and we hope to give the world champions a real game in the best traditions of Barbarian rugby on Saturday."

Full 22-man Barbarians squad:

Backs: Jason Robinson (England and British Isles), Joe Rokocoko (Blues and New Zealand), Isoa Neivua (Warriors and Fiji), Ben Cohen (England and British Isles), Conrad Smith (Hurricanes and New Zealand), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues, Wales and British Isles), Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes and New Zealand), Matt Giteau (Western Force and Australia), Peter Grant (Stormers), Justin Marshall (Ospreys and New Zealand).

Forwards: Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks, England and British Isles), Federico Pucciarello (Munster and Italy), Salesi Ma'afu (Brumbies), Mark Regan (Bristol, England and British Isles), Schalk Brits (Stormers), Brent Cockbain (Wales and British Isles), Justin Harrison (Ulster Rugby and Australia), Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons and Wales), Troy Flavell (Blues and New Zealand), Jerry Collins (Hurricanes and New Zealand), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues, Wales and British Isles), Rocky Elsom (Waratahs and Australia).