Seven former All Blacks in Barbarians squad

Luke McAlister © Gallo Images

Seven former All Blacks have been selected in the Barbarians squad to play England at Twickenham and Australia in Sydney.

Backs Ben Blair, Doug Howlett, Justin Marshall and Luke McAllister and forwards Jerry Collins, Chris Jack and Greg Somerville were announced Monday in the 24-player squad.

The Barbarians face England on May 30 and the Wallabies on June 6, their first game in Australia.

Gordon D'Arcy and Geordan Murphy, who helped Ireland win its first Grand Slam since 1948 in the Six Nations championship, have also been picked after having been overlooked for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa, which kicks off May 30.

The three English players in the squad - Iain Balshaw, Josh Lewsey and Martin Corry - all played for the 2003 World Cup-winning team.

Traditionally, the Barbarians field at least one non-international player. This time, they are: Sonny Bill Williams, a Kiwi rugby league convert who plays in France for Toulon, and Paul Tito, a New Zealand Maori lock who plays for Cardiff Blues.

The Barbarians captain will be announced when they meet up on May 26.

Squad:

Backs: Iain Balshaw (England), Ben Blair (New Zealand), Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland), Peter Grant (South Africa), Doug Howlett (New Zealand), Josh Lewsey (England), Seilala Mapusua (Samoa), Justin Marshall (New Zealand), Luke McAllister (New Zealand), Geordan Murphy (Ireland), Sonny Bill Williams (Toulon), Dimitri Yachvilli (France).

Forwards: Serge Betsen (France), B.J. Botha (South Africa), Schalk Brits (South Africa), Sebastien Bruno (France), Jerry Collins (New Zealand), Martin Corry (England), Rocky Elsom (Australia), Justin Harrison (Australia), Chris Jack (New Zealand), Greg Somerville (New Zealand), Iestyn Thomas (Wales), Paul Tito (Cardiff Blues).

Read more on the June Internationals page.

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