Ben Youngs relishing return to Twickenham with Barbarian F.C.
When former England international Ben Youngs returns to Twickenham Stadium this summer, he will be pulling on the famous Black and White hoops of Barbarian F.C. for the first time in his career.
The 34-year-old, who earned 127 Test caps for England, retired from international duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup as his country’s most-capped men’s player. He will make a return to HQ in June after being selected by BaaBaas head coach Robbie Deans for a clash against Fiji.
The Killik Cup will be on the line on Saturday 22 June (kick-off 5.15pm), with Deans leading the Barbarians against an all-star Flying Fijians line-up – who set pulses racing on their way to the quarter-finals of the recent Rugby World Cup.
Tickets for the event also include entry to the Qatar Airways Cup game between South Africa and Wales, with the two going toe-to-toe at 2.00pm, ahead of Barbarians vs Fiji.
Youngs said: “To be invited to play for the Barbarians and have the opportunity to wear such a prestigious shirt for the first time, is something I have always wanted to do. I wasn’t sure whether I would ever get the chance, so I was delighted to get the call.
![LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 28: The Barbarians team celebrate after their victory during the Killik Cup match between Barbarians and a World XV at Twickenham Stadium on May 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)](https://rfu.widen.net/content/6537a73f-d42b-4016-982d-8900002c9071/web/barbarians_killik_cup_2023_winners.png)
“I’m excited to play with some lads that I’ve never played alongside before, but probably lined up against many times. Spending a week with them and building that camaraderie will be awesome.”
He added: “As an Englishman, anytime you play at Twickenham, it’s an absolute privilege. It’s a stadium that is obviously very dear to me, so I’m grateful to get another opportunity to run out there as you never know when it might be the last time. It’s an experience I will treasure.”
Barbarian F.C. are the current holders of the Killik Cup, having edged out the World XV 48-42 in last summer’s game.
They have faced Fiji four times to date, winning in 2013 and 2016. The most recent encounter between the sides was in 2019 and ended 33-31 to Fiji, in a scintillating ten-try encounter.
Youngs said: “It should be a fantastic match with some competitive edge against a really strong Fiji side as well. I’m looking forward to it and I’m sure both sides will put on a show for a big crowd at Twickenham.”
General admission tickets are on now – visit Ticketmaster, Ticketek or RFU to secure your seat.
Each ticket will cover entry for both South Africa vs Wales (K.O. 2pm) and Barbarians vs Fiji (K.O. 5.15pm) on Saturday 22 June, starting from just £55* for Adults and £28* for Under-16s. For a 10% discount on groups of 10 or more, visit the RFU.
Hospitality packages are also available now, starting from £179 per person.
*booking fees apply.