Sam Tomkins joins cross-code club Barbarians - Rugby Union
Barbarians Rugby Union confirmed on November 22, the uptake of cross-code England star, Sam Tomkins. The franchise is all set to take on Australia in the Killik Cup match on Saturday, November 26, at Twickenham.
This will be a unique experience for the player, as the Wigan’s ace just clashed against Kangaroos in the Four Nations Final on last Saturday, November 19, which ended on a low-note with his side’s 30-8 defeat.
Tomkins failed to play his usual best form in the Four Nations title decider but is hoping for a different stroke of luck against the Australians in rugby union on Saturday.
Ian Lenagan, Wigan Warriors’ owner, gladly accepted the invitation extended by the opposite code of rugby, to the brilliant player.
While expressing his delight over the permission granted by Wigan quarters, Lenagan said, "Sam is an exceptional player in either code of rugby and his selection shows the growing mutual respect between the codes of rugby league and rugby union in England.
It's a great opportunity for Sam to experience the Twickenham atmosphere and showcase his talents on another major stage."
The exchange of players across the alternate codes of rugby will not only nourish the players alone but it will definitely add to the quality of game played in both platforms. This step of Barbarians shows that England is all open to the idea of exchange
of players from both codes of rugby.
While talking about Tomkins uptake Barbarians commercial director, Mike Burton expressed his delight, believing that this was only possible with the support of Wigan.
He further added that the player also will be happy to be part of one of the top clubs in union and that will benefit him a great deal, when he returns to league.
Burton, further explained and said that the Barbarian club has the tradition of thinking outside the box, which is done by inviting players from league background too. This trend of the club will benefit the players a great deal.
While talking about it, he also recalled that Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor and Willie Mason, who had played with them, were also able to perform well. This is one reason why the Burton has high hopes clung to the Tomkins too.
The coaching squad at Barbarians includes Graham Henry and Steve Hansen. The latest recruits include Richard Kahui and Fijians Seru Rabeni and Nemia Kenatale to boost their side for the encounter. Stephen Jones of Wales was also part of the final pick but
as he had to play for Scarlets against Dragons on Friday, he pulled himself out of the Barbarian side for the clash.
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