Barbarians Coach Alan Jones has announced his initial squad for the two-game Barbarians Tour of NSW that features a few friendly faces.
Amongst a star-studded cast is NSW Waratahs winger, Taqele Naiyaravoro, and former Tahs enforcer and cult hero, Jacques Potgieter.
Also in the mix is Warringah Rats No.8 Sam Ward, who was instrumental to his Shute Shield side’s Premiership success in 2017. Ward was voted into the Baa Baas squad by fans earlier in the season.
Joining the ranks too is NSW Gen Blue U20’s and Sydney University halfback Theo Strang, who represented Australia in in U20’s World Cup in Georgia earlier this year.
Coach Jones has included a handful of rising talent as well, which for most of them will taste international rugby for the first time.
"The emphasis here has been on young people," Jones said.
"I'm challenging these people to recognise that this is a big opportunity for them and it's a chance now to put your talent on the line and be seen."
The Barbarians will face the Classic Wallabies in Lismore on October 24 and the Wallabies on October 28 in Sydney for their two-match tour.
Team List
Lock Richard Arnold Australia Force
Lock Sam Carter Australia Brumbies
Flyhalf Quade Cooper Australia Reds
Prop Pek Cowan Australia Force
Fullback Tom Banks Australia Brumbies
Flanker Matt Hodgson Australia Force
Lock Luke Jones Australia Bordeaux
Winger Chance Peni Australia Force
Centre George Moala New Zealand Blues
Winger Eto Nabuli Australia Reds
No 8 Isi Naisarani Fiji Brumbies
Winger Taqele Naiyaravaro Australia Waratahs
Fullback Tim Nanai-Williams Samoa Chiefs
Fly Half Sam Greene Australia Toyota (Japan)
Flanker Jacques Potgieter South Africa Bulls
Halfback Augustine Pulu New Zealand Blues
Hooker Anaru Rangi New Zealand Force
Hooker Andrew Ready Australia Reds
Halfback Michael Ruru New Zealand Force
Flanker Kane Koteka Australia Force
Prop Taniela Tupou Australia Reds
No 8 Sam Ward Australia Warringah
Lock Matt Philip Australia Force
Halfback Theo Strang Australia Sydney University
