Chiefs duo to face each other in Killik Cup

By Mark Stevens
25/5/23

Exeter Chiefs duo Jack Maunder and Marcus Street will go head-to-head with one another after the squads for this weekend’s Killik Cup match between the Barbarians and a World XV at Twickenham Stadium were confirmed.

The Killik Cup will be on the line this Sunday (2pm), as two of the most decorated coaches in world rugby, Eddie Jones (Barbarians) and Steve Hansen (World XV), go head-to-head for an unmissable showdown in London.

The two squads are jam-packed with world-class talent, with internationals from England, Wales, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, Australia, Tonga, Japan, Scotland, Fiji and Italy all involved for the blockbuster clash at HQ.

The sides contain a total of 1,286 international caps between them – with 650 for the Barbarians and 636 for the World XV – as well as Rugby World Cup winners, British & Irish Lions tourists, and several returning Barbarians.

Scrum-half Maunder will form part of the legendary Barbarians squad, which also includes the like of Alun Wyn Jones, Taulupe Faletau, Quade Cooper and Aaron Cruden, while Street has been named in a World XV that includes global stars such as Charles Piutau, Semi Radradra, Israel Folau and Wyn Jones.

“It’s an incredible honour to be asked to coach the Barbarians for a second time,” said Jones. “I am very much looking forward to returning to Twickenham Stadium – a venue I have so many fond memories of – as head coach of the Barbarians, and I’m more motivated than ever to put on a show. Going up against Steve rekindles a great rivalry which first started in our days competing in Super Rugby and progressed into the international arena. It’ll be a great challenge and one we’re both relishing.”

The fixture against the World XV marks the first return to Twickenham for the Barbarians since a stunning 52-21 victory over England in June 2022. They then retained the Killik Cup in November, courtesy of a 35-31 win over an All Blacks XV in front of 35,000 people at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Hansen added: “I’m really excited to be returning to Twickenham. I’ve coached both for and against the Barbarians during my career, and while you always have to expect the unexpected where they are concerned. You can be certain we’ll have a hugely entertaining match played in a festival atmosphere.”