The Barbarians have announced their coaching team for their clash with Bristol Bears on September 7, with two former Wallabies among the staff.
Berrick Barnes and Nathan Grey are the duo in question as they join fellow Australians, Jason Gilmore and Laurie Fisher, as the backroom team for the game.
The match will take place at Ashton Gate as Pat Lam’s charges take on the iconic invitation team in a sensational curtain raiser for the new Premiership season.
Waratahs assistant coach
Gilmore is the current assistant coach at the Waratahs and has previously worked at their Super Rugby rivals the Reds and also the Australia U20s in his time.
“To coach the Barbarians on a UK tour is an exciting challenge and one I can’t wait for,” he said.
“The opportunity to bring the Barbarian style of play to a full house at Ashton Gate in Bristol will make for a great match.”
Meanwhile, ex-centre Barnes, a former dual-code star and 51-cap Wallaby international, is a current member of NRL side Newcastle Knights’ coaching set-up.
“Thank you to the Barbarians for this amazing opportunity to be a part of such an iconic rugby institution,” said the former playmaker who was recently brought into Eddie Jones’ Wallabies coaching team on a part-time basis.
“The Barbarians represent all that’s good about the game. I can’t wait to rip in alongside three incredible Aussie coaches and bring a bit of fun and flair to Ashton Gate.”
Another centre who was renowned for his hard-running game, Grey, won 35 caps for the Wallabies and is the former Australia and Waratahs defence coach.
“Having had the honour of playing for the Barbarians in 2005, it was something I will always be grateful for and enjoyed thoroughly. Being asked to help coach the team with a great bunch of Aussie coaches is equally as exciting,” he said.
“An opportunity that I will grab with both hands and do my best to contribute to the fabric of the Baa-Baas ethos and playing style. I can’t wait!”
Former Gloucester head coach Fisher is the current assistant at the Brumbies and is well respected in coaching circles after an experienced rugby career.
Congrats from Pat Lam
Bristol Bears director of rugby Lam congratulated the quartet on their roles ahead of the game and admits he cannot wait for September 7 showdown.
“Having had the honour of coaching the Barbarians on two occasions, I must congratulate Jason, Laurie, Nathan and Berrick on their appointments for the UK tour,” he said.
“Everyone in Bristol is excited to welcome the Barbarians to Ashton Gate in September for what promises to be another memorable occasion in the city.”
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