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Dublin - The Irish Rugby Football Union and The Barbarian Football Club have confirmed on Monday that they will play a match at Thomond Park, Limerick on Thursday, May 28, 2015.
The fixture forms part of the Barbarians’ Summer Tour, which also features a game against England at Twickenham on Sunday, May 31.
The year 2015 marks the 125th anniversary of Barbarian rugby, making its Summer Tour fixtures against Ireland and England even more special.
Irish Rugby Football Union President Louis Magee said: “This promises to be a truly memorable occasion as both the IRFU and Munster welcome the Barbarians back to Ireland again. The celebrated Barbarians brand of rugby will bring an entertaining game to Thomond Park and one which I am sure Ireland and rugby fans will look forward to seeing.”
The Barbarians also recently took part in an epic encounter against the Wallabies in front of a 55,000 crowd at Twickenham and will look forward to the challenge of playing at the Limerick venue and experiencing the atmosphere at a packed Thomond Park.
Announcing the agreement with Ireland and the Barbarians, Thomond Park Stadium Director John Cantwell said: “We are delighted to have secured another prestigious Ireland v Barbarians event, as it further enhances the reputation of Thomond Park Stadium as an international class venue. We look forward to hosting the fixture again after such a successful and unique sell-out event in 2010, when Munster players lined out for both squads.
"The event will also deliver significant economic benefits to local businesses and provide further exposure in helping promote the region as a tourist destination.”
The Barbarians side will be packed full of leading international stars with further player and team announcements in the New Year. The club also anticipate a number of in-form Munster players will be invited to join their squad which will be of further interest to the local fans.
Barbarian president Micky Steele-Bodger said: “We are absolutely delighted to be invited back to Ireland where we have so many friends in the game. Over the years Irish rugby folk have done the Barbarians proud, both as players and administrators.
“To be visiting Thomond Park for a second time is an added attraction and honour for us. Back in 1991 we were in Munster to help Cork Constitution celebrate their centenary and we have enjoyed similar anniversary matches with Old Wesley, Wanderers and Clontarf in Dublin.
"The prospect of playing Ireland in Limerick is something we shall look forward to tremendously and will provide a fitting start to our 2015 summer tour and 125th Anniversary celebrations.
“November has been a busy month for the Club, with matches against, Australia at Twickenham, Leicester Tigers at Welford Road and the Combined Services. Sports fans across the country have been blessed with some mesmerising and audacious skills on show at these games and I am sure this will be continued at the match in May too.”
The Barbarians in Ireland:
19 October 1957 v Ulster Invitation XV (Belfast) W 14-11
16 September 1970 v Wanderers (Dublin) W 30-9
10 September 1991 v Constitution (Cork) W 39-9
12 September 1991 v Old Wesley (Dublin) L 36-37
3 December 1994 v South Africa (Dublin) W 23-15
18 May 1996 v Ireland (Dublin) W 70-38
28 May 2000 v Ireland (Dublin) W 31-30
04 June 2010 v Ireland (Limerick) W 29 -23
23 May 2014 v Clontarf (Dublin) L 42-43
27 May 2008 Barbarians played Ireland in Kingsholm, Gloucester. Ireland won the match 39-14.
29 May 2012 Barbarians played Ireland in Kingsholm, Gloucester. Barbarians won the match 29-28.
