Joe Rokocoko ready for return to Thomond

All Blacks legend Joe Rokocoko is set to make his first return to Thomond Park since scoring the winning try against Munster seven years ago after being confirmed for the Barbarians squad to face an Ireland XV in Limerick on May 28.

Rokocoko broke Munster hearts at the newly-renovated Thomond Park in November 2008 when with four minutes to go he snatched victory for the New Zealand tourists as the All Blacks came from behind to win 16-13.

Seven years on, the Kiwi wing was yesterday one of three star southern hemisphere backs along with Toulon’s David Smith and Montpellier’s Rene Ranger who were confirmed as the latest players to accept invitations to join Robbie Deans’s squad for games against an Ireland XV and then an England XV at Twickenham three days later.