Mooar joins World XV coaching for Barbarians clash

Experienced New Zealander Brad Mooar will join Steve Hansen’s World XV coaching group for their blockbuster fixture against the Barbarians.

The 48-year-old will assist countryman Hansen in a star-studded clash between the World XV and the Baa-baas, who will be led by Eddie Jones, at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday 28 May (kick-off: 2pm).

Mooar was drafted into Scotland‘s set-up during the recent Six Nations Championship and boasts previous international experience having served as attack coach for the All Blacks from 2020 to 2022.

He also enjoyed a stint in Wales in charge of Scarlets from 2019 to 2020, and previously was involved within the Crusaders’ set-up where he was attack coach under Scott Robertson, helping the side to three Super Rugby titles.

“I’m super pumped to be part of the World XV coaching set up with Steve Hansen – it’s massively exciting,” said Mooar.

“To be coaching some of the world’s best players, bringing them together, and being part of a special week of bonding and learning off each other is going to be a huge privilege.

“It’s also a great opportunity for me to learn more about the game, and how different players see the game. I’m really grateful for the opportunity that I’ve been given to be part of it.

“The challenge of coaching against the Barbarians is a great one. I love the Barbarians concept and all the team’s history. I love the connection with the Phil Bennett sidestep, and that great try from Gareth Edwards back in the day is iconic.

“I know that Eddie will have them well prepared, and they’ll have some tricks up their sleeve. I’m looking forward to the challenge of preparing for a game at the highest level, whilst also not knowing exactly what’s going to come. We’ll be looking to put our own stamp on the game as well.”

A string of rugby’s most exciting players – including Semi Radradra, Marika Koroibete and Ngani Laumape and Charles Piutau – have all been approached to play for the World XV at Twickenham on 28 May, and Mooar admits he cannot wait to link up with both the squad and old mentor Hansen for what is set to be an epic clash.

Mooar added: “It’ll be great to be working alongside Steve again. Our relationship goes back to the mid-90s when he was my coach, and that relationship has grown ever since.

“He’s been a huge support to me and my career, so the chance to work alongside him in a campaign like this is hugely exciting.

“Our conversations have already been really fruitful about how to put this team together, the type of game we want to play, and the opportunity that we’ll have with these guys in the week leading up to the game and then in the game itself. I can’t wait to get alongside Steve and get amongst it.”

General admission tickets for the Barbarian F.C. vs World XV clash are on sale now from www.ticketmaster.co.uk/barbarians for just £25* for Adults and £15* for Under-16s.

For a 10% discount on groups of ten or more, please visit www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/events. Hospitality packages are available to purchase from £299 per person via www.twickenhamstadium.com.

*booking fees apply

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