John Kirwan named Barbarians coach for Twickenham Australia clash
Thursday 25 September 2014 13:46, UK
John Kirwan has been named Barbarians coach for the game against Australia at Twickenham on November 1.
The New Zealander took charge of the invitation side in 2012 and will lead them again in the Killik Cup clash, as well as the match with Leicester at Welford Road three days later.
The 49-year-old, who played a key role in the All Blacks' 1987 World Cup triumph and scored 35 tries during a glittering Test career, has previously coached the national sides of Italy and Japan.
Kirwan is currently Auckland Blues head coach but will combine that role with the Baa-Baas position.
The match at Twickenham marks the beginning of a demanding November schedule for Australia, who will then go on to face 2015 World Cup pool rivals England and Wales, as well as Ireland and France.
"In my view, it's the first Test of their tour. That is what they will be expecting and that is what we want to deliver," said Kirwan.
"It's a privilege and a huge honour to be involved with the Barbarians again.
"Every year the Barbarians are put under pressure, but it's still a huge honour to play and they still compete with the very best."
