O’Mahony, Cane and Murray named in Barbarians squad

Ireland greats Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray and former New Zealand captain Sam Cane have been named in the Barbarians squad for next month’s fixture against South Africa.

Flanker O’Mahony and scrum-half Murray retired from international rugby following this year’s Six Nations after decorated careers in green, while Cane ended his time with the All Blacks at the end of 2024.

The Irish duo both won five Six Nations titles and represented the British and Irish Lions during their Test careers.

Cane, also a flanker, earned 104 New Zealand caps and helped his country win the 2015 World Cup.

However, he became the first male player in World Cup history to be sent off in a final during the All Blacks ‘ defeat by South Africa at the 2023 tournament.

Baa-Baas head coach Robbie Deans says his squad will feature a “blend of high-profile global international stars, and other standout performers from European clubs, Super Rugby and the Japanese league”.

“Peter and Conor have been an integral part of the Irish team for nearly 15 years and both have amassed over hundred caps for their country and represented the British &amp, Irish Lions on a number of tours”, said Deans.

“Sam is also a Test centurion, played in the last three Rugby World Cups and captained the All Blacks from 2020-2023.

O’Mahony and Cane are poised to line out in the same back row after the pair were involved in a verbal spat during Ireland’s win over the All Blacks in Dunedin in 2022.

It happened as tempers flared after O’Mahony helped hold the ball up over the line to deny the All Blacks a late try and help Ireland secure their first ever win in New Zealand.

Cane later shrugged off the altercation, saying:” No, it’s just good rugby banter, it’s all part of the game.

“I don’t mind it. It’s good stuff”.

Cane went on to inspire New Zealand to a World Cup quarter-final win over Ireland in Paris in 2023, but insisted he did not use his history with O’Mahony as extra motivation.

“We know they’ve got a few players who like to try to get under your skin”, he said.