Willie Mason will make his rugby union debut when the Barbarians face England next Sunday.
Kangaroos star excited by union challenge
Willie Mason will make his rugby union debut when the Barbarians face England on Sunday, after quitting Hull KR and signing for Toulon.
The 31-year-old has followed in the footsteps of former league team-mate Sonny Bill Williams at the French club and has accepted an invitation to take his union bow at Twickenham on May 29.
"Mate, I'm just so excited to be playing rugby and I'm looking forward to the challenge," reports
Sydney Morning Herald's website.
"I've certainly jumped in the deep end in agreeing to play for the Barbarians without having any rugby experience.
Deep end
"If you ask all the boys, I've always told them I've wanted to have a crack at rugby and I've always been the type to jump in at the deep end, and I'm ready to try the best I can to make an instant switch."
Mason has reportedly agreed a three-year deal at Toulon just a couple of months into his contract with Hull KR.
New Zealand-born Mason was raised in neighbouring Australia, picking up 24 caps as a forward for the Kangaroos.
He will now join a star-studded three-quarter line with the likes of England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson and Wallabies back Matt Giteau.
