Fan favourite Jonathan “JJ” Joseph to return to Twickenham for the BaaBaas

Joseph, 32, joins Ben Youngs and Zach Mercer – two fellow England internationals – on the list of players already confirmed to be involved for the Barbarians, who will be led by Kiwi coach Robbie Deans against the Flying Fijians.

Joseph’s distinguished career began at London Irish, where he made 44 appearances in four seasons having graduated from the club’s academy set-up. From there, the electrifying centre made the switch to Bath Rugby – where he stayed for over a decade and notched up 175 appearances and 32 tries.

He currently represents Biarritz in France’s Pro D2, having made the move across the channel last summer, and Joseph admits the chance to come back to England for June’s one-off Killik Cup showdown in Barbarians colours was an opportunity that was too good to miss.

“The prospect of playing for the Barbarians for the first time is incredibly exciting,” he said.

“Especially getting towards the end of my career, as you never know that you are going to get that opportunity.

“Growing up watching rugby and then playing professionally, you see what playing for the Barbarians means and what it is all about.

“I’ve been in and around the England squad when we’ve faced the BaaBaas previously, and come out on both sides of the result. Win or lose, I always thought it looked like so much fun, to be playing brilliant rugby and surrounded by world-class players.

“So, I’m hoping for more of the same this summer, now that playing for them has become a reality. It’s very exciting to be joining up with what will be a really impressive group of lads, and no doubt we’ll want to get out there and play in an entertaining manner.

“Combining the history of the Barbarians with what will be a very fun week for me on a personal level will make the whole experience very special. I’m looking forward to being involved in such a high-profile match, it’s why you play the game in the first place.”

Joseph’s exploits in the Red Rose of England have made him one of his country’s most-successful centres, with the 32-year-old earning 54 Test caps and winning three Six Nations titles (2016, 2017, 2020) and one Grand Slam along the way.

He played a significant role in England’s run to the Rugby World Cup final in 2019, toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 2017, and has also faced Fiji on more than one occasion in the past – scoring a try double against the Pacific Islanders in the 2016 Autumn International series.

This summer’s Killik Cup match could well be the last time Joseph will run out on the hallowed turf of Twickenham, and he believes that will also add to his debut experience in the iconic black and white hoops of the Barbarians.

He said: “Of course, returning to Twickenham for possibly the final time gives the game some extra meaning for me.

“That will be a special moment, a great day for me and my family, and I’m really looking forward to joining up with some of the other boys who are going to be involved as well.

“We’ll have a good mix of guys from the northern and southern hemisphere, but we’ll all come into the camp hoping to play expansive and entertaining rugby – so there’s lots to look forward to.

“Fiji too are probably everyone around the world’s second-favourite team, and that’s all because of how they play and the athletes they have. They are always exciting to watch, and this game should be a great showcase of running, free-flowing rugby.”

General admission tickets are on sale now – visit Ticketmaster, Ticketek or RFU to secure your seat. Each ticket will cover entry for both South Africa vs Wales (K.O. 2pm) and Barbarians vs Fiji (K.O. 5.15pm) on Saturday 22 June, starting from just £55* for Adults and £28* for Under-16s. For a 10% discount on groups of 10 or more, please visit www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/events. Hospitality packages are also available now, starting from £179 per person – visit www.twickenhamstadium.com to purchase now.