World Rugby

Wales, Barbarians Set For Emotional Farewells

Wales, Barbarians Set For Emotional Farewells

Four legends of the sport will be moving on, but first they will compete one last time for the Barbarians against Wales.

Nov 11, 2019 by Alex Rees
Wales, Barbarians Set For Emotional Farewells

When the Barbarians take on Wales in Cardiff for a fixture on November 30th, the rugby universe will see the final professional acts from some of the game's greatest individuals. 

Four legends of the game - South Africans Tendai "The Beast" Mtawarira and Schalk Brits, Ireland's Rory Best, and Wales coach Warren Gatland - will partake in the match before moving on to new chapters of their lives. 

Watch the Barbarians take on Wales on November 30th here on FloRugby!

Mtwarira and Brits will be on a World Cup honeymoon, after their Springbok side recently won the World Cup. The two men have been amazing stewards for the sport, and are sure to receive huge standing ovations from the Cardiff crowd. 

Welsh fans have seen plenty of Rory Best throughout his career, the 124-test hooker having played countless times against the Welsh, beating them on a number of occasions. 

He has been at the forefront of an extremely special period of rugby for Ireland, and he will receive the warmest of send-offs. 

Lastly, and most importantly to the Welsh, coach Warren Gatland will lead out the Barbarians against his former side. 


Gatland has been a huge beacon of light for Wales, dragging them from the depths of a miserable 2007 World Cup exit to three Grand Slams, two World Cup semi-finals, another Six Nations title, and a world number 1 ranking. 

He has restored pride in the red jersey once again, and it goes without saying he will be extremely missed. Anticipate the most heartfelt ovation from Welsh fans, who will wish the legendary coach all the best as he moves back to his native New Zealand in pursuit of new opportunities.