England will play the Barbarians at Twickenham in June as part of their preparations for a mid-year tour of Australia.
The match on 19 June marks the first time the teams have met since flyhalf Marcus Smith starred in England’s 51-43 victory over the invitational side three years ago.
The Barbarians were meant to play Samoa at Twickenham in November but the game was cancelled just 90 minutes before kick-off because several players tested positive for a coronavirus.
That followed the embarrassment of the Barbarians having to call off a 2020 match against England at Twickenham after it emerged that 13 of their players had breached bio-bubble protocols.
England coach Eddie Jones said on Thursday: “The Barbarians fixture is a special one in rugby. It’s always a good challenge for the players, entertaining for supporters and showcases the spirit of the game.
“It’s been great to play back in full stadiums again and we know this game is one that the fans enjoy and we’re looking forward to playing in front of the Twickenham crowd. It will also be good preparation for us ahead of an important tour to Australia.”
Barbarians president John Spencer said: “As a club we have of course not had the easiest time coming to Twickenham in recent months.
“We therefore are looking forward to returning as worthy opponents of England in June.”
England are set for a three-Test tour of Australia that begins in Brisbane on 2 July.
© Agence France-Presse
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