Scott Robertson to face off with Rassie Erasmus as ex-All Blacks boss lands next coaching job
Former All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson will make his return to the coaching box this summer, leading the Barbarians into battle against the Springboks and Wales.
His appointment as Barbarians coach is his first since his shock sacking last month, and features in a star-studded coaching ticket alongside Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi, Racing 92 head coach Patrice Collazo and Los Pumas assistant coach Kenny Lynn.
Razor and Contepomi to lead Barbarians on two-Test tour as Springboks lie in wait
The experienced coaching group will spearhead the Barbarians on a two-Test tour in June, taking on the Springboks in Gqeberha and later Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, which is also part of a double-header with the women’s team also playing Wales.
Commenting on his appointment, Robertson said: “The Barbarians brings the rugby world together, so it’s special to be a part of it and to honour the jersey.”
Also commenting, Contepomi added: “It was a tremendous honour to play for the Barbarians, and now to be invited to coach the Baa-Baas in a match against the back-to-back world champions in their own country is just as special.
“It’s a recognition of the performance of Los Pumas in recent years, and it will be a great challenge to put a team together in a week to face South Africa. I eagerly await that opportunity.”
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This will also be the 10th meeting between the famous invitational side and the Boks, and South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus detailed his excitement at renewing the connection between the sides.
“It’s always exciting to face the Baa-Baas, and we are looking forward to hosting them in South Africa for the second year in a row — this time at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where we have traditionally enjoyed fantastic support,” said the Boks boss.
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“With our opening Nations Championship encounter against England two weeks later, this will be an ideal opportunity to get the players match-ready against a side that always boasts top players from across the world.
“The key for us, however, will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field. This is a new season with two new exciting competitions, so the sooner we get into a Test match mindset, the better.”
Tickets for the Springboks v Barbarians clash – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) 20 June – starting from R250 per person – will go on sale from 10h00 (SAST) on Wednesday, 25 February, exclusively at springboks.tmtickets.co.za.
Tickets for Barbarians v Wales Double Header – Allianz Stadium – Twickenham 27 June are available via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £40* for adults and £20* for under-16s. Hospitality packages are also available from £179+VAT PP, visit www.allianzstadiumtwickenham.com.
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