Barbarian F.C. announced a blockbuster international fixture against South Africa at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) on Saturday, 20 June 2026, kicking off an exciting Barbarians Summer Tour ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship.
To lead the Summer Tour, the Club has assembled a formidable international coaching quartet featuring former All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, Los Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi, Racing 92 head coach Patrice Collazo and Argentina assistant coach Kenny Lynn, combining elite experience from across the rugby world.
Scott Robertson is no stranger to the Barbarians environment, having coached the side on four previous occasions — against New Zealand and Tonga in 2017, an All Blacks XV in 2022, and Wales in 2023. His experience of the Barbarians' ethos and style will be invaluable during the back-to-back fixtures.
“The Barbarians brings the rugby world together, so it's special to be a part of it and to honour the jersey,” Robertson said.
Joining him is Felipe Contepomi, one of Argentina’s greatest ever players, who enjoyed an illustrious career with Bristol, Leinster, Toulon, Stade Français and Club Newman, earning 87 international caps for Los Pumas. A five-time Barbarians player between 2003 and 2012, winning four matches, he now returns to the famous black-and-white jersey in a leadership role.
Appointed head coach of Argentina in 2024 following more than a decade in coaching, Contepomi has already guided Los Pumas to significant Rugby Championship victories over South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
“It was a tremendous honour to play for the Barbarians, and now to be invited to coach the BaaBaas in a match against the back-to-back world champions in their own country is just as special,” said Contepomi.
“It’s a recognition of the performance of Los Pumas in recent years, and it will be a great challenge to put a team together in a week to face South Africa. I eagerly await that opportunity.”
The Barbarians have faced South Africa nine times since their first meeting in 1952, and Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus welcomed the return of the famous invitational side.
“It’s always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and we are looking forward to hosting them in South Africa for the second year in a row — this time at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where we have traditionally enjoyed fantastic support,” said Erasmus.
“With our opening Nations Championship encounter against England two weeks later, this will be an ideal opportunity to get the players match-ready against a side that always boasts top players from across the world.
“The key for us, however, will be to focus on our structures and what we want to achieve on the field. This is a new season with two new exciting competitions, so the sooner we get into a Test match mindset, the better.”
French rugby legend Patrice Collazo brings further depth to the coaching group. A former international prop, Collazo enjoyed a distinguished playing career in the Top 14 and Premiership before establishing himself as a highly respected head coach with La Rochelle, Toulon, Brive, Montpellier and now with Racing 92.
Completing the coaching team is Kenny Lynn, a former Highlanders, Southland and Bay of Plenty back known for his versatility across full-back, centre and wing. After transitioning into coaching with Lyon and later the Highlanders, Lynn joined Contepomi’s Argentine staff in 2024 as assistant coach and continues that successful partnership with the Barbarians.
With a coaching team of exceptional pedigree assembled, the Barbarians will now be selecting an exciting squad of high-profile international players from across the globe, promising two thrilling encounters that celebrate the spirit, flair and entertainment synonymous with Barbarians rugby.