Ulster Rugby has today confirmed that Kingspan Stadium will host an international fixture between the Barbarians and Fiji on Friday 11th November 2016 (kick-off 7.30pm).
This match will form part of the Barbarians’ Autumn Tour, which will also see them play against South Africa at Wembley six days earlier.
The Barbarians first travelled to Ireland in 1957, where they played an Ulster Invitation XV in Belfast, and this will be their first visit back to the city since.
The Barbarians played four internationals last year, including a thrilling 31-49 defeat against World Cup semi-finalists, Argentina, in November. World-renowned stars such as Stephen Moore, Lood de Jager, Tevita Kuridrani, Pat Lambie and Nehe Milner-Skudder were among those who featured in that game, and a similarly exciting lineup is expected for the clash in Belfast. Robbie Deans and Will Greenwood will coach the squad for the Autumn series.
The Fiji squad is also likely to contain a number of high profile names, including the likes of former Ulster favourite Timoci Nagusa and Super Rugby sensation Nemani Nadolo.
Welcoming the announcement of the fixture, Ulster Rugby Chief Executive, Shane Logan, commented:
“Ulster Rugby is delighted to be hosting such a high profile international game, which will provide an opportunity for local rugby supporters to see some of the world’s best players in action.
“As one of the premier rugby stadiums in Europe, Kingspan Stadium has already successfully hosted the 2015 Guinness PRO12 Final, and is scheduled to host the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup Finals. We look forward to working with both teams to ensure that the event is a huge success.”
Looking forward to the game, Barbarians Head Coach Robbie Deans said:
“It will be a real pleasure to bring the Barbarians to Belfast to play at such an important venue that is the home of Ulster Rugby. I’m sure we’ll receive a hospitable welcome and make new friends among the knowledgeable rugby public in Ulster.
“The Barbarians and Fiji both have great traditions of playing entertaining and skilful rugby, as was shown at Twickenham when we last met. We’ll endeavour to approach this game in the same competitive spirit.”
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets will be priced from just £20 for adults and £12 for juniors, and will be on general sale from Monday 9th May. Ulster Rugby Season Ticket holders can avail of discounted tickets during an exclusive early bird booking period from Friday 6th May.
Ulster Rugby Season Ticket holder priority booking period:
Online from 10am on Friday 6th May via priority booking link.
Phone / ticket office from 10am on Monday 9th May.
Tickets are available now and can be purchased by clicking here.
Group bookings and hospitality packages will also be available.
For further information, please contact:
Ticketing: (028) 9049 3222 / tickets@ulsterrugby.com
Hospitality: (028) 9049 3222 / neil.hanna@ulsterrugby.com
BARBARIANS IN IRELAND
October 19, 1957: v Ulster Invitation XV (Belfast) W 14-11
September 16, 1970: v Wanderers (Dublin) W 30-9
September 10, 1991: v Constitution (Cork) W 39-9
September 12, 1991: v Old Wesley (Dublin) L 36-37
December 3, 1994: v South Africa (Dublin) W 23-15
May 18, 1996: v Ireland (Dublin) W 70-38
May 28, 2000: v Ireland (Dublin) W 31-30
June 4, 2010: v Ireland (Limerick) W 29-23
May 23, 2014: v Clontarf (Dublin) L 42-43
May 28, 2015: v Ireland (Limerick) W 22-21
This match will form part of the Barbarians’ Autumn Tour, which will also see them play against South Africa at Wembley six days earlier.
The Barbarians first travelled to Ireland in 1957, where they played an Ulster Invitation XV in Belfast, and this will be their first visit back to the city since.
The Barbarians played four internationals last year, including a thrilling 31-49 defeat against World Cup semi-finalists, Argentina, in November. World-renowned stars such as Stephen Moore, Lood de Jager, Tevita Kuridrani, Pat Lambie and Nehe Milner-Skudder were among those who featured in that game, and a similarly exciting lineup is expected for the clash in Belfast. Robbie Deans and Will Greenwood will coach the squad for the Autumn series.
The Fiji squad is also likely to contain a number of high profile names, including the likes of former Ulster favourite Timoci Nagusa and Super Rugby sensation Nemani Nadolo.
Welcoming the announcement of the fixture, Ulster Rugby Chief Executive, Shane Logan, commented:
“Ulster Rugby is delighted to be hosting such a high profile international game, which will provide an opportunity for local rugby supporters to see some of the world’s best players in action.
“As one of the premier rugby stadiums in Europe, Kingspan Stadium has already successfully hosted the 2015 Guinness PRO12 Final, and is scheduled to host the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup Finals. We look forward to working with both teams to ensure that the event is a huge success.”
Looking forward to the game, Barbarians Head Coach Robbie Deans said:
“It will be a real pleasure to bring the Barbarians to Belfast to play at such an important venue that is the home of Ulster Rugby. I’m sure we’ll receive a hospitable welcome and make new friends among the knowledgeable rugby public in Ulster.
“The Barbarians and Fiji both have great traditions of playing entertaining and skilful rugby, as was shown at Twickenham when we last met. We’ll endeavour to approach this game in the same competitive spirit.”
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets will be priced from just £20 for adults and £12 for juniors, and will be on general sale from Monday 9th May. Ulster Rugby Season Ticket holders can avail of discounted tickets during an exclusive early bird booking period from Friday 6th May.
Ulster Rugby Season Ticket holder priority booking period:
Online from 10am on Friday 6th May via priority booking link.
Phone / ticket office from 10am on Monday 9th May.
Tickets are available now and can be purchased by clicking here.
Group bookings and hospitality packages will also be available.
For further information, please contact:
Ticketing: (028) 9049 3222 / tickets@ulsterrugby.com
Hospitality: (028) 9049 3222 / neil.hanna@ulsterrugby.com
BARBARIANS IN IRELAND
October 19, 1957: v Ulster Invitation XV (Belfast) W 14-11
September 16, 1970: v Wanderers (Dublin) W 30-9
September 10, 1991: v Constitution (Cork) W 39-9
September 12, 1991: v Old Wesley (Dublin) L 36-37
December 3, 1994: v South Africa (Dublin) W 23-15
May 18, 1996: v Ireland (Dublin) W 70-38
May 28, 2000: v Ireland (Dublin) W 31-30
June 4, 2010: v Ireland (Limerick) W 29-23
May 23, 2014: v Clontarf (Dublin) L 42-43
May 28, 2015: v Ireland (Limerick) W 22-21