Robbie Deans joins Barbarians coaching team for Wales clash at Twickenham

Robbie Deans will return to the Barbarian F.C. coaching team this summer for their blockbuster clash with Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on June 27.

The newly appointed Harlequins performance director will link up with former All Blacks boss Scott Robertson and Racing 92 head coach Patrice Collazo, forming a hugely experienced coaching trio for one of the game’s most celebrated fixtures.

The Barbarians’ traditional end-of-season match will once again take place as a double-header, with the men’s game kicking off at 2pm before the women’s fixture at 5pm, bringing the 2025/26 campaign to a close in style.

It will be Deans’ ninth involvement with the famous invitational side, as the 66-year-old has previously guided the Barbarians to victories over Ireland (2015) and Fiji (2016 and 2024), while also taking charge in high-profile fixtures against New Zealand, England, Wales and South Africa.

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Excited

Speaking about his return, Deans said: “I’m very excited to be coming back to Allianz Stadium and represent the Barbarians.

“It’s such a special place to play and watch rugby. The Barbarians embody all the best elements of the game – playing with freedom, flair, and entertaining supporters on match day.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have been involved with the world’s most famous club for over a decade.”

Deans brings a wealth of elite-level coaching experience to the role.

He spent more than a decade as director of rugby at the Saitama Wild Knights, winning five league titles, after a trophy-laden spell with the Crusaders, where he won five Super Rugby crowns.

He was a member of the All Blacks coaching staff that returned the Bledisloe Cup to New Zealand in 2003, where it remains to this day.

Honoured

Deans also coached Australia between 2008 and 2013, leading them to Tri-nations success in 2011 and taking the Wallabies to a ranking of second in the world for three consecutive years.

Barbarians president John Spencer said: “We are honoured to be welcoming Robbie back into the coaching team this summer.

“Robbie and the Barbarians have a long and proud history. He is a coach with the utmost respect across the world game, highlighted by his recent appointment in the U.K.

“He is a man and a coach who embodies the Barbarian F.C. club spirit and ethos and having his vision and experience alongside Scott and Patrice this summer is hugely exciting.”

Deans will officially begin his role with Harlequins ahead of the 2026/27 season following the summer fixture.

Tickets for Barbarians v Wales Double Header – Allianz Stadium – Twickenham 27 June are available starting from just £40* for adults and £20* for under-16s. (*Booking fees apply.)

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