The Barbarians have confirmed they are the final competing men’s team at RugbyX, the international tournament which will take place at The O2, London on 29th October 2019.
RugbyX is a new, World Rugby and RFU-approved format which sees international Sevens teams from Argentina, England, USA, France & Ireland competing with the Baa-baas in a single-day tournament format.
RugbyX will be played under existing Rugby Union Laws in respect of foul play and breakdown penalties, but will include some law-trial adaptations in order to encourage simple and fast gameplay, including: five players per team, 10-minute matches with no half time, no line outs and no conversions.
The Barbarians’ Chairman John Spencer said: “Since our foundation in 1890, the Barbarians have been committed to combining the best of attacking rugby with the traditions of enjoyment and sportsmanship for which our club and our sport is famous throughout the world.
“We are delighted to bring those traditions to this most innovative format of rugby at the O2 arena in London. We look forward to facing the world’s leading international sevens teams in this new fast paced, five vs five format of the game we love.”
It means the autumn will see the Barbarians in action in different international formats at three venues.
After the club’s visit to the O2 arena, the 15-a-side action starts when Eddie Jones will be in charge of the men’s side against Fiji at Twickenham on November 16. Then both men’s and women’s teams take the field against Wales at the Principality Stadium on November 30 when Warren Gatland will be coaching the men’s side.
RugbyX’s Technical Director Ben Ryan said: “RugbyX is bringing world-leading international Sevens teams into Europe’s No.1 entertainment destination, the O2 Arena, for an adapted form of the game we love. RugbyX will provide new and existing fans with an opportunity to support their national team in a brand new rugby environment.
“At RugbyX we are looking to instil some key principles with this new format of the game which consist of teamwork, participation and inclusion.
“These values are the fundamentals of the Barbarians’ existence so to have them participate at RugbyX is just brilliant. Additionally, the wealth of experience and talent that the Barbarians have to select from will make them one of the strongest competitors at the O2 in October.”
Tickets are available for afternoon (16:00-18:00) and evening (20:30-22:30) sessions via Ticketmaster and AXS. For more details about RugbyX go to www.RugbyX.com
