Scots to face Barbarians

After suffering humiliating defeats against Italy and Ireland in the last fortnight, Scotland might have been looking to face slightly easier opposition for the rest of the season.

After suffering humiliating defeats against Italy and Ireland in the last fortnight, Scotland might have been looking to face slightly easier opposition for the rest of the season.

Instead, they will tackle a star-studded Barbarians side at Murrayfield on Wednesday, May 31.

The match was confirmed as part of a short three-game tour for the Barbarians and comes just a day before the Scots head off to New Zealand for their two-Test series.

Barbarians president Mickey Steele-Bodger named a string of rugby superstars who will form part of the squad for the tour, including Australian World Cup winner Tim Horan, mighty New Zealand winger Jonah Lomu and South African captain Joost van der Westhuizen.

Scottish officials have yet to decide whether caps will be awarded for the game, although that has never been the case on the four previous meetings between the two teams.

Scotland have yet to record a victory against a team which exists on the goodwill of players alone, although they did manage a 16-16 draw in 1991.

The strength of the side Scotland are likely to face is a testament to the esteem in which the Barbarians are held.

And Scotland director of rugby Jim Telfer insisted they wouldn't be allowed to die as some pundits have predicted.

"When the game went professional a few years ago, it was thought by some people that they would sweep all the good traditions away," he said.

"I think it is tremendous that although we are forward thinking as a professional sport, we are trying to keep the best traditions.

"Thomas Castignede said that he would like to play for the Barbarians because, no matter what sport you play, there is still a camaraderie when you play with people from different countries.

"It is the same with the British Lions and I am delighted that people are determined to keep these traditions going."

Full Barbarians tour dates.

Sunday, May 28 v Ireland (Lansdowne Road) Wednesday, May 31 v Scotland (Murrayfield) Saturday, June 4 v English Premiership champions (Twickenham).