Barbarian F.C. has today announced three global stars of rugby – George Bridge, Camille Chat and Josua Tuisova – will be joining the squad in London ahead of the Killik Cup against All Blacks XV on Sunday 13 November (tickets available now).

The Barbarians are also set to play a number of domestic fixtures following the disruption to the Gallagher Premiership calendar.

The famous invitational side has appointed Scott Robertson and Ronan O’Gara to lead the Black and White for the Killik Cup, with England and Montpellier star Zach Mercer already named in the squad and more players to be announced in the coming days.

Joining Mercer in the Barbarians squad are three huge names in the world of rugby: New Zealand’s George Bridge, France’s Camille Chat and Fiji’s Josua Tuisova.

Crusader Bridge – who will soon be heading to Mercer’s club Montpellier in France – already has a Barbarians appearance alongside his 18 caps for the All Blacks, turning out against England in 2019. 

Robertson, who coaches Bridge at the Crusaders, says of the winger: “He’s a hard worker, he’s tough, and he’s a winner. Bridgey is such a good honest man and we can all call him a great mate” – attributes that will surely make him a firm favourite both with teammates in the Barbarians camp and with fans on the pitch.

Camille Chat – aka “The Neck” – joins the squad from French Top 14 side Racing 92, where he has made 144 appearances since joining the side in 2015. The hooker has 33 caps for France and will be making his Barbarians debut.

Another power player joining the Barbarians is flying Fijian winger Josua Tuisova – nicknamed “The Bus” for his physical style and power running. Currently playing for Lyon in the Top 14, Tuisova has 19 caps for Fiji and an Olympic gold medal to his name as part of Fiji’s Olympic 7s winning team at Rio 2016 – the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. 

The Barbarians’ first fixture – the Killik Cup – will be against a very strong All Blacks XV team, with Auckland and Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu to captaining the side alongside a host of well-known names. The visiting side also includes eight players with Test experience including Tuipulotu, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Asafo Aumua, Luke Jacobson, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber, and Damian McKenzie.

Bryn Gatland, the son of previous Barbarians Head Coach Warren Gatland, is also included alongside the nephew of Barbarians legend Pat Lam, AJ Lam.

The All Blacks XV follows in the footsteps of similar teams which have assembled throughout New Zealand rugby’s history, and adds a new element to the New Zealand Rugby set-up, representing a development opportunity for future All Blacks – as well as a chance for current players to make their case for All Blacks selection or recall.

Spencer added: “We’re well into the process of assembling a powerful and exciting squad for our November matches, with Zach Mercer, George Bridge, Camille Chat and Josua Tuisova confirmed. As ever, we are very confident of bringing together a group of exceptionally talented players who will dazzle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with our world-famous BaaBaas skill, flair and passion.”