Circle your calendars and grab your jerseys, folks! Stormers’ maestro John Dobson is teaming up with Bristol’s rugby wizard Pat Lam to coach the Barbarians as they gear up to face the All Blacks XV this coming November 1st at Brentford Community Stadium. Ready for a twist? It’s Dobson’s debut as the head honcho for the famously freewheeling Barbarians squad. Meanwhile, Lam is practically part of the furniture, having notched a couple of wins as their coach against England back in 2018 and 2019.
Dobson’s no stranger to the spotlight, having previously catapulted the Stormers to glory in the Vodacom URC 2021-22 season. But this new role? It’s a whole new playground. “In South Africa, the Barbarians have always represented the most beautiful way to play rugby,” Dobson mused.
“To now be part of that mystique is very special.”
He’s not just excited about the role but also about partnering up with Lam, a coach he’s long admired for his flair and philosophy on the field.Pat Lam is equally jazzed about the collaboration, emphasizing the unique challenge of melding talents from across the globe into a cohesive unit in record time.
“That’s the essence of the Barbarians,”
he noted, “It’s about skill, trust, and expression. I’m looking forward to doing that alongside John.”The upcoming clash isn’t just any match—it’s only the second time the Barbarians and the All Blacks XV have locked horns, the first being their nail-biter in London 2022 where the Barbarians clinched a victory with a tight 35-31 scoreline. With such a thrilling history behind them and two of rugby’s most creative minds at the helm, this match promises to be an explosive display of rugby prowess and passion.
Barbarians president John Spencer couldn’t be more thrilled, praising the pair for their “innovation, attacking intent, and passion for bringing players together from around the world.” It seems both the fans and the players are in for a treat, blending tradition with a fresh burst of energy and strategy. When rugby’s greats take the field this November, be sure you’re watching!