Schoeman and Mata named in Barbarians squad

• 27 May 2019
• News

​Pierre Schoeman and Bill Mata have been named in the Barbarians squad for their upcoming Quilter Cup match against England at Twickenham this Sunday 2 June (kick-off 3.30pm).

The pair feature in a 23-man squad that includes players from 11 clubs and nine countries, with All Blacks legends Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau and Liam Messam also selected for the all-star match-up.

The duo – who were this week named in the Guinness PRO14 Dream Team – are two of seven PRO14 players selected for the exhibition encounter, as Niyi Adeolokun, Finlay Bealham and David Heffernan (all Connacht) and Dragons’ Rhodri Williams and Richard Hibbard are all named in the 23-man squad.

It is a fine reward for both international stars, as Mata was this season named as the Guinness PRO14 Players’ Player of the Year, while Schoeman picked up both the Player of the Season and Best Newcomer at club’s annual End of Season Awards.

Speaking to edinburghrugby.org, Schoeman said: “It’s a great honour to be named in the Barbarians squad and I can’t wait to hook up with the team this week.

“Playing for the Barbarians is something that every player aspires to in their career, so it will be pretty special to pull on those famous colours this weekend alongside Bill!”

Sunday’s exhibition match against an England XV is part of a historic double header which also sees Red Roses face Barbarians Woman at Twickenham.