Ireland To Face Barbarians At Thomond Park

The Ireland v Barbarians fixture forms part of the Barbarians’ summer tour, which also features a game against England at Twickenham on Sunday, May 31.

2015 marks the 125th anniversary of Barbarian rugby, making their summer tour fixtures against Ireland and England even more special.

IRFU President Louis Magee said: “This promises to be a truly memorable occasion as both the IRFU and Munster welcome the Barbarians back to Ireland again.

“The celebrated Barbarians brand of rugby will bring an entertaining game to Thomond Park and one which I am sure Ireland and rugby fans will look forward to seeing.”

The Barbarians recently took part in an epic encounter against the Wallabies in front of a 55,000 crowd at Twickenham and will look forward to the challenge of playing at the Limerick venue and experiencing the atmosphere at a packed Thomond Park.

Announcing the agreement with Ireland and the Barbarians, Thomond Park Stadium Director John Cantwell commented: “We are delighted to have secured another prestigious Ireland v Barbarians event as it further enhances the reputation of Thomond Park Stadium as an international class venue.

“We look forward to hosting the fixture again after such a successful and unique sell-out event in 2010, when Munster players lined out for both squads.

“The event will also deliver significant economic benefits to local businesses and provide further exposure in helping promote the region as a tourist destination.”

The Barbarians side will be packed full of leading international stars with further player and team announcements in the New Year. The club also anticipate a number of in-form Munster players will be invited to join their squad which will be of further interest to the local fans.

Barbarian FC President Micky Steele-Bodger said: “We are absolutely delighted to be invited back to Ireland where we have so many friends in the game. Over the years Irish rugby folk have done the Barbarians proud, both as players and administrators.

“To be visiting Thomond Park for a second time is an added attraction and honour for us. Back in 1991 we were in Munster to help Cork Constitution celebrate their centenary and we have enjoyed similar anniversary matches with Old Wesley, Wanderers and Clontarf in Dublin.

“The prospect of playing Ireland in Limerick is something we shall look forward to tremendously and will provide a fitting start to our 2015 summer tour and 125th Anniversary celebrations.”

He continued: “November has been a busy month for the club, with matches against Australia at Twickenham, Leicester Tigers at Welford Road and the Combined Services. 

“Sports fans have been blessed with some mesmerising and audacious skills on show at these games and I am sure this will be continued at the match in May too.”

Tickets for the Ireland v Barbarians match go on general sale this Thursday (November 27) from midday, priced from €;30 (Terrace) to €;55 (Stand Cat A) and family terrace packs are €;50.

Tickets will be available from www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets, including Thomond Park Stadium, or by phoning the Ticketmaster hotline on 0818 719 300. (Booking fees apply).
 
BARBARIANS IN IRELAND

October 19, 1957: v Ulster Invitation XV (Belfast) W 14-11
September 16, 1970: v Wanderers (Dublin) W 30-9
September 10, 1991: v Constitution (Cork) W 39-9
September 12, 1991: v Old Wesley (Dublin) L 36-37
December 3, 1994: v South Africa (Dublin) W 23-15
May 18, 1996: v Ireland (Dublin) W 70-38
May 28, 2000: v Ireland (Dublin) W 31-30
June 4, 2010: v Ireland (Limerick) W 29-23
May 23, 2014: v Clontarf (Dublin) L 42-43

May 27, 2008: Barbarians played Ireland in Kingsholm, Gloucester. Ireland won 39-14
May 29, 2012: Barbarians played Ireland in Kingsholm, Gloucester. Barbarians won 29-28