NSW Waratahs prop, Country Eagles captain and Tamworth product Paddy Ryan has been called up to join the Barbarians squad to face South Africa, the Czech Republic and Fiji in November.
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Ryan’s inclusion comes off the back of a standout season for both the Waratahs and the NSW Country Eagles.
His impressive Buildcorp NRC campaign culminated in a Man of the Match performance for the Eagles, who he led to a home Grand Final in his home town of Tamworth.
Unfortunatley the Eagles couldn’t quite get over the line at a wet and windy Scully Park, just getting pipped by Perth Spirit 20-16 after the West Australians put on one of the best defensive efforts seen all season across all competitions.
The announcement by the invitational Barbarians side was made last night with Ryan joining fellow North West product Sam Carter along with fellow Wallabies Luke Morahan, Toby Smith, Andrew Ready and Nic Stirzaker.
Waratah winger Taqele Naiyaravoro has also been named in the line-up.
The Barbarians side, coached by Robbie Deans, features a host of international super stars already named in the squad, including Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa and Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes), Andy Ellis, Richard Mo’unga and Jordan Taufua (Crusaders), and Matt Faddes and Luke Whitelock (Highlanders).
Also on board are Ulster’s Ruan Pienaar (South Africa) and Dan Tuohy (Ireland) for the match against Fiji at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast on November 11.
Deans and assistant coach, Will Greenwood will come together with the squad next week to start the build-up to the Killik Cup match against the Springboks on November 5 at Wembley Stadium.
The Barbarians are taking on South Africa for the eighth time since 1952 and lead the series 4-3 after victories in 2007 and 2010.
The 125 year-old invitation club won 26-20 in 2010 when tries from Australia’s Drew Mitchell (2), James O’Connor and Italy’s Quintin Geldenhuys secured victory.
In 2007 the Barbarians were the first side to beat the newly-crowned World Champions with a 22-5 win that saw Australia’s Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom, and Wales’ Martyn Williams touch down.
Meanwhile Michael Hooper has joined an elite group of Wallabies by claiming the John Eales Medal for a second time.
Only George Smith, Nathan Sharpe and Israel Folau had been honoured twice by their peers before Hooper, 24, was rewarded for trademark consistency in the gold jersey with a second win.
Hooper was also voted Australia's choice Wallaby of the year for the fourth year in a row with four tries and three man of the match performances helping to soften the blow of a tough season for the Wallabies.
