Squad to face South Africa almost complete
With a month to go to the Barbarians' big date against South Africa at Twickenham, the Club's 22-man squad is taking shape.

The latest names to be added to the squad for the MasterCard Trophy fixture include several players who have featured in the Barbarians' victories over international opposition in recent years.

Pride of place goes to New Zealand wing Joe Rokocoko who returns to the invitation side for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year. Alongside him in the back division will be fellow All Black, Ma'a Nonu, part of the squad that defeated the Springboks in the corresponding fixture in 2007, plus Wallabies Will Genia and Drew Mitchell, who shared in the Barbarians' epic defeat of New Zealand twelve months ago.

Other survivors from that squad are two Italians, prop Salvatore Perugini and lock Quintin Geldenhuys, as well as hooker Stephen Moore and, as previously announced, another Wallaby Matt Giteau while Martyn Williams and Rodney So'oialo continue where they left off when the Barbarians beat Ireland last June.

For a variety of reasons Rocky Elsom, Mike Phillips and Gavin Henson have been withdrawn from the provisional list of Barbarians but among those making their Barbarian debuts will be Australians James O'Connor and Adam Ashley-Cooper and from New Zealand hooker Keven Mealamu, prop Neemia Tialata, lock Tom Donnelly and back-rower Daniel Braid.
In line with tradition the uncapped player in the squad will be New Zealand Maori and Chiefs number 8, Colin Bourke.

Meanwhile, Ireland prop John Hayes joins a growing list of 100-cap internationals (including George Gregan, Jason Leonard, Stephen Larkham and Gareth Thomas) to have played for the Barbarians in recent years.

Barbarians' commercial director Mike Burton said, "We know we face a huge challenge against a proud South African side anxious for revenge after their defeat to us three years ago. Only a strong squad will suffice for us and it is taking shape nicely. In addition to all the star names confirmed to date, we will be announcing more major players later this month."

Players confirmed to date:

Backs - James O'Connor (Aus), Joe Rokocoko (NZ), Drew Mitchell (Aus), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Aus), Ma'a Nonu (NZ), Matt Giteau (Aus), Will Genia (NZ)
Forwards - Keven Mealamu (NZ), Stephen Moore (Aus), John Hayes (Ire), Salvatore Perugini (Ita), Neemia Tialata (NZ), Chris Jack (NZ), Tom Donnelly (NZ), Quintin Geldenhuys (Ita), Martyn Williams (Wal), Rodney So'oialo (NZ), Colin Bourke (Chiefs), Daniel Braid (NZ)

Coach: Nick Mallett
Assistant coach: Alan Solomons

Tickets are now on sale via www.ticketmaster.co.uk / 0844 847 2492. Prices range from £35 to £65 for adults, £17.50 to £32.50 for juniors (under-16) and special family tickets (two adults, two juniors) are available.