Baa-baas coach: Dai Young
London Wasps director of rugby Dai Young has been appointed coach of the Barbarians for their fixture with the British and Irish Lions on June 1.
The sides will meet in Hong Kong to launch the B&I Lions 2013 tour of Australia which includes three Test matches against the Wallabies.
Young will also be in charge of the Barbarians for their annual clash with England at Twickenham the previous weekend with Wales great Derek Quinnell named team manager for both games.
"I have been privileged to coach the Barbarians on three previous summer tours but never mind how many times I am invited it is always an honour and one that I cherish," Young said.
"It is also a big responsibility to uphold the traditions of the Barbarians and to get the best out of the fantastic group of players they invariably assemble for these matches.
"This will be even more so next summer. The annual game against England is a big enough occasion it itself but to play the Lions on the first match of their own major tour is really a case of the icing on the cake.
"It promises to be a tremendous tour and all those of us involved will be committed to making it a big success."
Quinnell added that he is delighted to be working with Young once again.
"I have worked with Dai before - although it seems a long time ago," he said.
"He was a young 19-year-old prop at the time but was equal to the task and two years later he was back in Australia with the Lions and an automatic choice for the Test team that won the series.
"The other great thing about Dai is that as a player and now an experienced and successful coach he understands what makes the Barbarians tick and fully respects and furthers the traditions of our club."
Comments
melkdave says...
Myself i would have prefered Geech or B.Ashton to coach the Barbarianssomeone who not a premiership coach atm .D.Youngs job is to guide Wasps this season ,not have side distractions .While Geech or B.Aston or annother could give it at least 50% of his attention and time ,just how much can D.Youngs afford to give the job i wonder??
Posted 15:16 23rd October 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
Lions vs Baabaas - this could be one of the best Barbarian fixtures in years being both sides will have almost the same preparation time.
Come on lottery tickets! What a way to kick off a lions tour.
Posted 13:11 23rd October 2012