Barbarians game cancelled due to Covid-19
Barbarians' Rory Best during The Killik Cup match at Twickenham Stadium, London. PA Photo. Picture date: Saturday November 16, 2019. See PA story RUGBYU Barbarians. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only, No commercial use without prior permission
Saturday’s match between the Barbarians and Samoa at Twickenham has been cancelled an hour-and-a-half before its start after some coronavirus cases were reported amongst the invitational side’s players.
According to a Rugby Football Union statement, four players and two members of staff had tested positive for Covid-19.
Star-studded starting line-up
The Barbarians’ starting line-up featured South African World Cup winners Duane Vermeulen, Malcolm Marx and Steven Kitshoff, as well as Australia internationals James O’Connor and Nic White while Glasgow Warriors and Scotland back-row Ryan Wilson was set to captain the side.
The match was set to serve as a swansong for Ireland great and two-time British and Irish Lions tourist Rob Kearney, who was named among the replacements and planned to retire following the fixture.
The newly vacant kick-off slot will now be taken by a clash between Barbarians Women and a Springbok Women’s XV, which had been due to start at 5.15pm.
The RFU statement read: “Due to six confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Barbarians men’s team (four players and two members of staff), the Professional Game Testing Oversight Group has advised that the fixture scheduled to be played against Samoa at 2.30 pm today is unable to proceed.
“We appreciate that this is an extremely disappointing situation for the many fans due to attend, but the safety of all members of both teams is our priority.
“Following consultation with the Barbarians Committee and South Africa, the fixture between Barbarians Women and Springbok Women’s XV will now move to the 2.30pm KO and all tickets purchased are valid for this match. The match will be broadcast live on BBC 1 with coverage starting at 2pm.
“A full automatic refund will be made to all ticket holders, however fans are encouraged to attend the Barbarians Women and Springbok Women’s XV.”
Eben Etzebeth to take three-month break from rugby
Toulon have revealed that Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will take a three-month break from the game due to concussion.
This, after he suffered his third concussion of 2021 during the Boks’ Test defeat against England at Twickenham last weekend.
The Top 14 club confirmed the news via a press statement on their official website on Friday afternoon.