Sport

Barbarians v Fiji set for Belfast's Kingspan rugby stadium

Ireland's Paddy Jackson scores a try despite being tackled by Barbarians' Shane Jennings during the friendly match at Thomond Park, Limerick on Thursday May 28, 2015
Ireland's Paddy Jackson scores a try despite being tackled by Barbarians' Shane Jennings during the friendly match at Thomond Park, Limerick on Thursday May 28, 2015 Ireland's Paddy Jackson scores a try despite being tackled by Barbarians' Shane Jennings during the friendly match at Thomond Park, Limerick on Thursday May 28, 2015

Kingspan Stadium in Belfast will host an international rugby fixture between the Barbarians and Fiji on Friday November 11 (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 said:



"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 added:



"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.”

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 

Friday November 11 2016: (kick-off 7.30pm) v Fiji