Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe to captain Barbarians
Retiring flanker Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe has been given the honour of captaining the Barbarians against England in the Quilter Cup match on Sunday.
The former Argentina captain, 36, will be making the last appearance of his distinguished playing career at Twickenham.
Lobbe won 71 caps for the Pumas, played in three World Cups and lifted French and European titles with Toulon.
The squad he leads at Twickenham includes stars from 11 different nations, including All Blacks Victor Vito and Malakai Fekitoa, England’s Chris Ashton, Scotland half-backs Greig Laidlaw and Finn Russell, and Wales’ Justin Tipuric.
“It’s a real honour to to lead the Barbarians,” said Lobbe.
“Since I was a kid I’ve been watching them play and to me they represent the purest values of rugby. Everyone comes together to play and the Barbarians is a good place to be.
“Playing England is a massive challenge as they’re a top nation but we have the sort of players here who love that kind of challenge – it’s a beautiful one to have.
“It’s my last game ever but I’m okay and at peace. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time and this last year I’ve enjoyed every minute.”
Barbarians squad
Backs: Niyi Adeolokun (Connacht & Ireland), Chris Ashton (Toulon & England), Malakai Fekitoa (Toulon & New Zealand), Greig Laidlaw (Clermont & Scotland), Luke McAlister (Toulon & New Zealand), Josh Matavesi (Newcastle Falcons & Fiji), Semi Radradra (Toulon), Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors & Scotland), Josua Tuisova (Toulon & Fiji), Rhodri Williams (Bristol & Wales)
Forwards: John Afoa (Gloucester & New Zealand), Denis Buckley (Connacht), Ultan Dillane (Connacht & Ireland), Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Toulon & Argentina), Ramiro Herrera (Stade Francais & Argentina), Benjamin Kayser (Clermont & France), Nili Latu (Newcastle Falcons & Tonga), Tatafu Polota-Nau (Leicester & Australia), Sitaleki Timani (Clermont & Australia), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys & Wales), Loni Uhila (Clermont), Flip van der Merwe (Clermont & South Africa), Victor Vito (La Rochelle & New Zealand)