England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler is set to make his second appearance for the Barbarians after being named in the squad for the Killik Cup against an All Blacks XV.
After missing out on selection for the national team for the Autumn Nations Series, the 32-year-old will still play international rugby – of sorts – in November.
Marler last played for the invitational side in June 2019 as the Baa-Baas fell to a 51-43 defeat to England at Twickenham.
Coached by Crusaders boss Scott Robertson and La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara, he joins the likes of Zach Mercer, George Bridge and Josua Tuisova in the squad.
Core values of the game
“The Barbarians still have an important place in professional rugby. It’s even more important now to have it because everything is so intense, so pressurised and serious,” the loosehead prop said.
“You need to have an opportunity to enjoy rugby for the reasons you started playing for. You just want to pick up the ball and play and have fun.
“(The Barbarians) hold onto the core values of the game.”
Marler made his international debut in 2012 and has gone on to earn 79 caps for England, appearing in two World Cups during that period.
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The prop initially retired from international rugby in 2018 but was lured back for the global tournament in Japan after featuring for the Barbarians in June 2019.
Although he continues to make himself available for the national team, the prop has not played for the Red Rose since the Six Nations earlier this year.
Experience and ethos
Barbarians president John Spencer said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Joe Marler rejoining us to play the All Blacks XV in November.
“He is very much the life and soul of any squad he joins, and represents the true values of Barbarians rugby.
“He will bring both his sense of fun, his experience and the Barbarians ethos into camp and we look forward to welcoming him alongside Zach Mercer, George Bridge, Camille Chat and Josua Tuisova.
“We’re well into the process of assembling a powerful and exciting squad for our November matches and are bringing together a group of exceptionally talented players who will dazzle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with our world-famous BaaBaas skill, flair and passion.”