Danny Care set for first Barbarians appearance and potential final Twickenham outing against Fiji in June after 37-year-old announced his England retirement

Danny Care will make a first appearance for the Barbarians in June, against Fiji – in what might turn out to be his final match at Twickenham.

Days after the 37-year-old Harlequins scrum-half announced his retirement from Test rugby, having amassed 101 caps over nearly 16 years of national service, it was revealed that he will finally play for the famous multi-national side. 

Care will join Ben Youngs, Zach Mercer and Jonathan Joseph in a high-profile English contingent within a Barbarians squad to be coached by Robbie Deans, the Kiwi who was previously in charge of Australia.

The fixture against great entertainers Fiji – who upset England at Twickenham last summer just before the World Cup in France – will take place as part two of a dazzling double-header at the national stadium on June 22. 

On the day that Steve Borthwick’s England side face Japan in Tokyo, Wales will lock horns with world champions with world champions South Africa in south west London, before the Barbarians-Fiji clash, which is bound to be a box-office hit.

The news comes just days after the 37-year-old Harlequins scrum-half announced his retirement from Test rugby

Care will bring energy and experience and he is enthused by the chance to wear the iconic black and white shirt, having not done so before. ‘I’m absolutely over the moon to be chosen to represent the Barbarians this summer,’ he said. ‘You don’t get too many firsts at this stage of your career, but this has been a long time coming!

‘It’s nearly happened a few times over the last few years, but now the stars have aligned and I can’t wait to finally wear that famous black and white shirt. To do it at Twickenham as well is going to be so, so special for me. I’ve heard so many amazing stories from really good friends of mine who have done it before.

‘The chance to meet, bond, train with and then play alongside a group of players who I have admired and played against before is going to be a unique experience. I’ll also get the opportunity to run out alongside some old friends as well, which will be really cool. 

Care will join Ben Youngs , Zach Mercer and Jonathan Joseph in a high-profile English contingent within a Barbarians squad

Care will bring energy and experience and he is enthused by the chance to wear the iconic black and white shirt, having not done so before

‘I’ve always watched the BaaBaas with such affection because of their style and approach. I feel like the Barbarians and myself could be a match made in heaven, so I really can’t wait to throw my own bit of flair into an incredible team.

‘I’ve played against the Barbarians quite a few times – facing some absolute legends of the game in the process. There’s been some bad memories of playing against them as well for sure! I’ve chased a lot of shadows, missed some tackles and got beaten up a few times. So, I can’t wait to experience being in that side and trying to put on a show for the thousands of fans at Twickenham.

‘You never know when it will be your final time running out at Twickenham, so it’s really nice to know I’m definitely heading back there again so soon after I announced my international retirement.’

Care should have a suitably grand backdrop to what could be a poignant personal occasion at such a familiar, cherished venue. More than 45,000 tickets have already been sold for the double-header, which will feature Wales v South Africa at 2pm, followed by the Barbarians v Fiji at 5.15.