Former England and Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw will join the famed ranks of the Black and White for the forthcoming Quilter Cup against England on Sunday 25 October.
Robshaw will have the opportunity to bid farewell to HQ after 66 appearances for England, 43 as captain, and 300 for Harlequins.
Following his final appearance for Harlequins last Sunday, 4 October, this will be Robshaw’s opportunity to bow out on an international stage. A hugely respected player who defines the spirit not just of his club and country, but of rugby itself, he will be greatly missed in the top flight of the English game and the Barbarians are overjoyed to have him joining the ranks of the Black and White.
Robshaw said: “It is a massive honour and privilege to be able to wear the famous Black and White shirt of the Barbarians, and I will do so with great pride. It has been a strange season and while I have not been able to play out my Quins career in front of fans, I am so happy I will have a chance to say farewell to England at Twickenham. It will be great fun and a great challenge to face up against old teammates and I can’t wait.”
Robshaw’s name will long be etched in the memories of Harlequins fans, captaining the Premiership side for many years including to a Premiership title in 2012. Making his Quins debut in 2005, he is the epitome of a one-club man who also supported Quins before joining as a player.
In an England shirt, he captained the side 43 times – the most of any player in the professional era.
After 15 years, Robshaw he is bidding farewell to these shores to head stateside and join Major League Rugby side San Diego Legion and a career of morning training sessions, afternoon recovery on the beach and 16 games a year – a well-deserved change of pace for a man who has commanded the respect of teammates and opposition alike and always led by example.
Barbarian F.C. President John Spencer said: “We are absolutely delighted to have Chris on board for our Quilter Cup match against England. He is a true giant of the game and thoroughly deserves the honour of becoming a Barbarian. He absolutely embodies the spirit and ethos of our famous Club and I know he will wear that shirt with real pride.”
Robshaw added: “The opportunity to get back out there at HQ, this time in a Barbarians shirt, and facing Eddie’s England will be just incredible for me. It’s been a very emotional end to the season and I’m so honoured to have the opportunity to be part of the return of the game to Twickenham and to the international stage. Becoming a Barbarian will be a very special moment and a very special memory for 2020.”
The Quilter Cup takes place on Sunday 25 October 2020 and will be played behind closed doors at Twickenham Stadium. Watch live on Sky as England take on the mighty Barbarians in the first international game back at Twickenham since the suspension of the Guinness Six Nations in March.
