Gloucester Rugby to host Barbarians at Kingsholm

Gloucester Rugby will mark their 150th year in style by welcoming world-famous invitational side, Barbarian FC, to Kingsholm for an exhibition match on Saturday 30 September 2023.

The Barbarians, or the ‘Baa-Baas’ as they’re fondly known, have been represented by some of the most famous names in the game and are renowned for their entertaining, free-flowing rugby.

The historic clash at Kingsholm will form part of a season of festivity for the Cherry & Whites, with the Club celebrating its 150th birthday and Chief Executive Officer, Lance Bradley, believes the game will be a must-watch for all rugby fans.

“We are delighted to be welcoming the Barbarians to Kingsholm for what will be a truly spectacular occasion. It’s a huge season for the club as we celebrate our 150th year and what better way to kick off those celebrations than host some of the biggest names in the game.

“It will be incredible to see the two famous jerseys go head-to-head for an historic clash and we’re looking forward to creating a truly memorable occasion.”

History of Gloucester Rugby and the Barbarians

The Cherry & Whites will take on the BaaBaas for the fourth time in the Club’s history when the side visit in September. Gloucester Rugby won their first two out of their three encounters with the Barbarians, claiming a 10-9 win when they first met in 1892, followed by a 13-0 win almost a century later in 1990. 

Most recently, in 2015 they were dealt a 14-62 defeat at Kingsholm, with a handful of current players such as Club Captain Lewis Ludlow involved that day.

Many Cherry & Whites have worn the famous Black & White hoops since the first ever Gloucester Barbarian, Francis Oswald (Frank) Poole in 1893, but none as many times as Frank Stout. The Crypt School-educated flanker is the Gloucester Rugby player with the most Barbarians caps. He made 22 appearances in Black & White between 1897 and 1906.