Barbarians want Lions players for All Blacks match

By Richard Cooke

Image: The Barbarians want Lions players to face All Blacks again

The Barbarians want to talk to the home unions over the release of players for their match against New Zealand.

It has been suggested that the match at Twickenham on November 4 could become an unofficial fourth Test to the British and Irish Lions tour, which ended with the series against the All Blacks being drawn 1-1.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland said after Saturday's 15-15 draw that he liked the idea.

A Barbarians spokesman has since added: "We are going to assemble an extremely strong team for this historic game at Twickenham.

Image: Warren Gatland says he likes the idea of an unofficial fourth Test

"We hope it will include players involved in the exceptional Lions series with the All Blacks. The players will get the chance to face New Zealand for a fourth time this year.

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"We have reached an agreement with Premiership Rugby, who have been very supportive about player release. We will talk with the home unions about access to players."

As the dust settles on an incredible six weeks, here's a look back at some of the best bits of the British and Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand.

Premiership Rugby's consent is not needed as England players will already have reported for international duty that weekend.

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But for the match to have any credibility as an unofficial decider to the Lions tour the Barbarians will need consent from all four home unions.

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