Welsh stars Adam Jones and Alex Cuthbert called up for Barbarians
Both tighthead prop Jones and wing Cuthbert could make their Barbarians debuts at Thomond Park on May 28 after former Australia coach Deans invited the Welsh Test pair into his squad for games against Joe Schmidt’s team and an England XV at Twickenham three days later.
Both players were part of the British & Irish Lions squad which defeated Deans’s Wallabies during the 2013 Test series, with Cuthbert scoring a try in the first Test victory in Brisbane.
Triple Grand Slam Winner Jones, 34, retired from Test rugby this season and is relishing the opportunity to fulfil his ambition of playing for the Baa Baas ahead of his move from Cardiff to Harlequins for next season.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the Barbarians and I’m looking forward to it,” said Jones, who played 100 Tests, including five for the Lions. “I’ve heard great things from those who’ve been involved in the past.
“I grew up in a rugby mad family and watched tapes of Gareth Edwards playing for the Barbarians and scoring his famous try. Wales, the Lions and the Barbarians were the big three you aspired to play for and it’s good to finally complete that set.
“I’ve had one or two wins in my career at Thomond Park but that’s about it. It’s a tough place to play and a great stadium. It’ll be interesting playing in a Robbie Deans side rather than against one but it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
Jones and Cuthbert will join a squad already boasting the talents of Southern Hemisphere stars Joe Rokocoko, Berrick Barnes and David Smith as well as Munster’s own Donncha O’Callaghan.
Ticket sales are ongoing with stadium managers reporting 13,000 tickets already sold.
