Warren Gatland has been named as head coach of the New Zealand Barbarians for their clash with the New Zealand Heartland XV in Taupō on Sunday.
Gatland, who returned to New Zealand after his third stint as coach of the British & Irish Lions in South Africa earlier this year, will take charge of the Babarians side alongside his Chiefs assistant Roger Randle, has also been selected in the coaching team.
Gatland said that, after much uncertainty, he was delighted to have this opportunity.
“I’ve been privileged to give opportunities to a number of players in red [with Wales and the British & Irish Lions] and this match will be no different for the up-and-coming stars who will don the BaaBaas red jersey,” he said.
“Barbarians rugby is all about providing opportunities, camaraderie, enjoyment and supporting grass-roots rugby, and I’m excited to be a part of the team.”
Gatland believes the team had pulled together a squad of future stars of the game, including U20 representative Bryn Gordon, and King Country local Cruise Dunster, who’ll have the opportunity to represent his union on home turf.
“The team assembles on Friday evening, which only gives us one training session before we take the field. Roger and Jarrad both have extensive knowledge of the players chosen and will play a big role in preparing the team, so I’m confident we’ll be in good stead come Sunday,” he added.
There is also the presence of Frank Lochore, who is the grandson of the great former All Black Brian.
Lochore made his debut for Hawke’s Bay this year and, like his grandfather before him, plays in the back row.
New Zealand Barbarians – Solomone Tukuafu (Waikato), Joseph Gavigan (Manawatu), Mills Sanerevi (Taranaki), Bryn Gordon (Manawatu), Michael Bent (Taranaki), Flyn Yates (Manawatu), James Thompson (Waikato), Frank Lochore (Hawkes Bay), Cruise Dunster (King Country), Semisi Paea (Bay of Plenty), Sam Smith (Wellington), Veveni Lasaqa (Bay of Plenty), Keelan Whitman (Wellington), Leroy Carter (Bay of Plenty), Connor Collins (Wellington), Josh Jacomb (Taranaki), D’Angelo Leuila (Waikato), Quinnlan Tupou (Waikato), Louis Rogers (Waikato), Te Paea Cook-Savage (Waikato), Taniela Filimone (Manawatu), Vereniki Tikoisolomone (Taranaki), Drew Wild (Manawatu).
