Kyle Sinckler is the latest England star to be included in Barbarian F.C.'s squad for this summer's Killik Cup clash against Fiji.
The 31-year-old tighthead prop will run out in the world-famous Black and White hoops for the first time in his career on Saturday 22 June (kick-off: 5.15pm), when the BaaBaas lock horns with the Flying Fijians at Twickenham Stadium.
The showdown sees the Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists come up against the invitational side, who this summer are led by Kiwi coach Robbie Deans – with the likes of Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Zach Mercer, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, David Ribbans and now Sinckler already named amongst the Barbarians' ranks for the game.
“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.”
Sinckler is set for a move to Top14 side RC Toulon this summer following a glittering career in England at international and club level.
His England debut came in 2016 against South Africa, and he has gone on to earn 68 caps so far for his country, scoring four international tries along the way. He played every match in England's run to the Rugby World Cup final in 2019 and made five appearances at least year's tournament where the Red Rose reached the semi-finals.
Sinckler has also twice toured with the British & Irish Lions, earning seven Test caps against New Zealand, Japan and South Africa.
The prop began his career at Harlequins, making 145 appearances and scoring nine tries in south-west London, before making the switch to Bristol Bears in 2020 where he played 60 times – 52 of those as a starter.
During his time in the West Country, Sinckler helped the Bears to two consecutive Gallagher Premiership semi-finals (topping the table in the 2020/21 season), as well their first-ever European title in 2020 as they claimed the Challenge Cup.
Sinckler is yet to represent Barbarian F.C. during his career – but did run out against the invitational team for England in 2014 and 2018 in non-capped internationals – and the 31-year-old admits doing so at Twickenham against an explosive Fiji side is a dream come true.
He added: “Twickenham is the home of rugby, so I always love going back. I made my England debut there back in 2016 and it's been an honour to earn 68 caps for my country.
“Every time you walk through the gates there, and see all the fans as you run out onto the pitch, it's like you're doing it for the first time again. It's a massive privilege for me to run out there and to represent the Barbarians on that stage.
“The BaaBaas mean so much to the rugby community, and I don't think you could line up a more perfect opponent than Fiji for this game – it will be like a boxing match where the two fighters complement each other and create an incredible spectacle.
“No doubt there's going to be lots of running rugby, and we'll hopefully get some great summer weather as well. The Fijian boys are going to be right up for it, running the ball and offloading from everywhere.
“Both teams will want to win, but will be setting out to entertain the crowd as well. As a front row though, I think the biggest development for Fiji over the last 18 months has been the strength of their scrum and set-piece game.
“They've really come on leaps and bounds there, so as a forward pack it's going to be a great test for us, which I am really excited for too.”
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