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London - The Barbarians on Wednesday named the first four members of their squad for November’s contests against three international opponents in the space of seven days.
Australia’s Taqele Naiyaravo, Wycliff Palu and Will Skelton will be joined by New Zealand's 2011 World Cup winner Andy Ellis in the squad for the Killik Cup match against South Africa at Wembley Stadium on November 5.
The Barbarians then travel to take on the Czech Republic in Prague (November 8) and face Fiji at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast (November 11).
Coaches Robbie Deans and Will Greenwood will invite more players to join the squad over the coming weeks as the world famous invitation club prepares for its 126th season.
Giant Waratahs and Panasonic Wild Knights wing Naiyaravoro - a Pro 12 competitor with Glasgow last season - has scored on both his appearances for the Wallabies and returns to the Barbarians after appearing against Samoa in 2015.
Crusaders and Kobelco Steelers scrumhalf Ellis won the last of his 28 caps in last year’s Rugby Championship and featured for the Barbarians in their 2010 win over South Africa.
Australia No 8 Palu and lock Skelton will become Barbarians No 4 995 and 4 996 respectively when they make their debuts for the club.
At 2.03m and 140kg, Skelton will be one of the biggest combatants in the Barbarians' history and won his 16th cap for Australia against New Zealand this year. Palu (Waratahs & Verblitz) made the last of his 58 international appearances against England in June.
Skelton played for the Wallabies against the Barbarians in 2014, an 11-try classic won 40-36 by Australia that underlined the thrilling relevance of the invitation club in the professional era.
The Barbarians are chasing a hat-trick of victories against the Springboks after a 26-20 win in 2010 and a 22-5 success against the newly-crowned World Cup winners in 2007.
