British Heritage
Remember, Cherish, Learn.
beta
Barbarian F.C.
A Testament to the Spirit of British Rugby Heritage.
The Barbarian Football Club, fondly known as the Baa-Baas, has become an iconic emblem within the sporting world. Founded in 1890, it has played an instrumental role in promoting and strengthening the spirit of rugby union, both domestically and internationally. The legacy of this unique institution goes beyond the confines of sports, having contributed significantly to British heritage and the realm of international rugby.
The Barbarian Football Club, an invitational rugby union club from the United Kingdom, comprises two distinct teams. Dressed in black and white hoops, the players sport socks from their own respective club strips, symbolizing the amalgamation of talent from various teams. As of 2011, the Barbarians have boasted players from 31 different countries. Membership is exclusive and by invitation only, a tradition that accentuates its prestige. Each match traditionally features at least one uncapped player, fostering the discovery and promotion of emerging talent.
The Baa-Baas typically engage in six annual matches held at different venues, from Penarth, Cardiff, Swansea, Newport during the Easter period, to Leicester on December 27th, and the Mobbs Memorial Match against East Midlands in the spring. These fixtures have become landmarks in the club's annual calendar and are anticipated with much fervor by rugby enthusiasts worldwide.
In 1948, the Barbarians were bestowed with the honour of facing Australia as part of the Wallabies' tour of Britain, Ireland, and France. Originally planned as a fundraising endeavour, this match became a much-awaited and traditional fixture. In the age of professional rugby, these matches have become more frequent, with the Barbarians usually facing one of the national teams visiting Britain each autumn.
In a match against England at Twickenham on May 29, 2011, the Barbarians and their founder William Percy Carpmael were bestowed with a prestigious recognition - induction into the International Rugby Board (IRB) Hall of Fame. This honour testifies to the significant contributions of the club to the sport of rugby. Furthermore, in 2017, a women's team was established, representing a new chapter in the club's illustrious history.
The Barbarians have inspired the creation of various rugby clubs worldwide, such as the French Barbarians, Australian Barbarians, New Zealand Barbarians, and South African Barbarians. These clubs emulate the Barbarians model of an invitational scratch team, demonstrating the international influence and reach of the original club.
The idea of the Barbarian Football Club was conceived by William Percy Carpmael. A former Cambridge University rugby player, Carpmael was part of the university team that toured Yorkshire in 1884. Intrigued by the cultural camaraderie and competitive spirit fostered by short rugby tours, Carpmael organized the first tour in 1889 with Clapham Rovers. This was followed by another in 1890 with an invitational team named the Southern Nomads, mainly composed of Blackheath players. The concept of a touring side, made up of players from various clubs, aimed at playing against leading clubs, received significant support, particularly from ex-university players. The club was formalized on April 8, 1890, at the Alexandra Hotel in Bradford.
The team's philosophy is succinctly encapsulated in a motto bestowed by Walter Julius Carey, former Bishop of Bloemfontein and a former member of the Barbarians, "Rugby Football is a game for gentlemen in all classes, but for no bad sportsman in any class". This motto epitomizes the club's spirit and its commitment to promoting the values of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in the game.
Over the years, the Barbarians developed a deep connection with Penarth in South Wales. This seaside town's Esplanade Hotel served as the team's lodgings during their Easter tours. These tours included annual matches against Penarth, Cardiff RFC, Swansea RFC, and Newport RFC, an essential part of the Baa-Baas' annual South Wales tour from their "spiritual home". The Barbarians also maintained a tradition of golfing at the Glamorganshire Golf Club during their non-match day of Easter Sunday. The Penarth community avidly followed these tours, and the annual Good Friday game against the Barbarians was always attended by enthusiastic capacity crowds.
In 1948, the Barbarians were invited by the British and Irish unions to face the touring Australian team to raise funds for the Australians' journey home via Canada. This match marked the inception of the "Final Challenge" tradition, where the Barbarians would play the last match in a tour of Britain and Ireland by Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.
One of the most memorable Final Challenge matches was against the All Blacks at Cardiff Arms Park on January 27, 1973. Celebrated as one of the best games of rugby union ever played, it was a thrilling spectacle of attack and counterattack, and the Barbarians clinched a 23-11 victory.
The Barbarians have participated in numerous significant matches. Besides their regular games, they have also played against various international and club teams to celebrate anniversaries. One such instance was the 2008 match against Australia at Wembley Stadium, part of the British Olympic Association's centenary celebration of the first London Olympic Games.
The Barbarians were also invited to participate in the inaugural Rugby match at the London Olympic Stadium in 2015, facing Samoa.
In 2017, a significant milestone was reached with the establishment of the Barbarians' women's team. This progressive step highlighted the club's commitment to promoting inclusivity within the sport. The women's team has since engaged in several matches, marking a new era for the club and contributing to the development of women's rugby on a global scale.
As of November 2021, the Barbarians continue to be a force to reckon with, drawing from a diverse and talented pool of players. The squad, announced to play against Samoa XV, is led by Head Coach Dave Rennie.
The club's current president is former England and Barbarians player John Spencer, appointed in December 2019. This position was first instituted in 1913, further highlighting the rich history and legacy of the club.
In summary, the Barbarian Football Club stands as a towering testament to the spirit of rugby and British heritage. Its unique model and invitational nature have inspired countless clubs worldwide, symbolizing the enduring legacy of this incredible institution in the world of rugby union.
A Unique Ensemble: The Barbarian Football Club
The Barbarian Football Club, an invitational rugby union club from the United Kingdom, comprises two distinct teams. Dressed in black and white hoops, the players sport socks from their own respective club strips, symbolizing the amalgamation of talent from various teams. As of 2011, the Barbarians have boasted players from 31 different countries. Membership is exclusive and by invitation only, a tradition that accentuates its prestige. Each match traditionally features at least one uncapped player, fostering the discovery and promotion of emerging talent.
The Baa-Baas typically engage in six annual matches held at different venues, from Penarth, Cardiff, Swansea, Newport during the Easter period, to Leicester on December 27th, and the Mobbs Memorial Match against East Midlands in the spring. These fixtures have become landmarks in the club's annual calendar and are anticipated with much fervor by rugby enthusiasts worldwide.
In 1948, the Barbarians were bestowed with the honour of facing Australia as part of the Wallabies' tour of Britain, Ireland, and France. Originally planned as a fundraising endeavour, this match became a much-awaited and traditional fixture. In the age of professional rugby, these matches have become more frequent, with the Barbarians usually facing one of the national teams visiting Britain each autumn.
Honour and Recognition: A Hall of Fame Induction
In a match against England at Twickenham on May 29, 2011, the Barbarians and their founder William Percy Carpmael were bestowed with a prestigious recognition - induction into the International Rugby Board (IRB) Hall of Fame. This honour testifies to the significant contributions of the club to the sport of rugby. Furthermore, in 2017, a women's team was established, representing a new chapter in the club's illustrious history.
The Barbarians have inspired the creation of various rugby clubs worldwide, such as the French Barbarians, Australian Barbarians, New Zealand Barbarians, and South African Barbarians. These clubs emulate the Barbarians model of an invitational scratch team, demonstrating the international influence and reach of the original club.
The Genesis of the Barbarians: William Percy Carpmael
The idea of the Barbarian Football Club was conceived by William Percy Carpmael. A former Cambridge University rugby player, Carpmael was part of the university team that toured Yorkshire in 1884. Intrigued by the cultural camaraderie and competitive spirit fostered by short rugby tours, Carpmael organized the first tour in 1889 with Clapham Rovers. This was followed by another in 1890 with an invitational team named the Southern Nomads, mainly composed of Blackheath players. The concept of a touring side, made up of players from various clubs, aimed at playing against leading clubs, received significant support, particularly from ex-university players. The club was formalized on April 8, 1890, at the Alexandra Hotel in Bradford.
The Barbarians' Motto
The team's philosophy is succinctly encapsulated in a motto bestowed by Walter Julius Carey, former Bishop of Bloemfontein and a former member of the Barbarians, "Rugby Football is a game for gentlemen in all classes, but for no bad sportsman in any class". This motto epitomizes the club's spirit and its commitment to promoting the values of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in the game.
Penarth: The 'Home Away from Home'
Over the years, the Barbarians developed a deep connection with Penarth in South Wales. This seaside town's Esplanade Hotel served as the team's lodgings during their Easter tours. These tours included annual matches against Penarth, Cardiff RFC, Swansea RFC, and Newport RFC, an essential part of the Baa-Baas' annual South Wales tour from their "spiritual home". The Barbarians also maintained a tradition of golfing at the Glamorganshire Golf Club during their non-match day of Easter Sunday. The Penarth community avidly followed these tours, and the annual Good Friday game against the Barbarians was always attended by enthusiastic capacity crowds.
The 'Final Challenge'
In 1948, the Barbarians were invited by the British and Irish unions to face the touring Australian team to raise funds for the Australians' journey home via Canada. This match marked the inception of the "Final Challenge" tradition, where the Barbarians would play the last match in a tour of Britain and Ireland by Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.
One of the most memorable Final Challenge matches was against the All Blacks at Cardiff Arms Park on January 27, 1973. Celebrated as one of the best games of rugby union ever played, it was a thrilling spectacle of attack and counterattack, and the Barbarians clinched a 23-11 victory.
Traditional Matches and Celebrations
The Barbarians have participated in numerous significant matches. Besides their regular games, they have also played against various international and club teams to celebrate anniversaries. One such instance was the 2008 match against Australia at Wembley Stadium, part of the British Olympic Association's centenary celebration of the first London Olympic Games.
The Barbarians were also invited to participate in the inaugural Rugby match at the London Olympic Stadium in 2015, facing Samoa.
The Barbarians Women's Team
In 2017, a significant milestone was reached with the establishment of the Barbarians' women's team. This progressive step highlighted the club's commitment to promoting inclusivity within the sport. The women's team has since engaged in several matches, marking a new era for the club and contributing to the development of women's rugby on a global scale.
The Barbarians in the 21st Century
As of November 2021, the Barbarians continue to be a force to reckon with, drawing from a diverse and talented pool of players. The squad, announced to play against Samoa XV, is led by Head Coach Dave Rennie.
The club's current president is former England and Barbarians player John Spencer, appointed in December 2019. This position was first instituted in 1913, further highlighting the rich history and legacy of the club.
In summary, the Barbarian Football Club stands as a towering testament to the spirit of rugby and British heritage. Its unique model and invitational nature have inspired countless clubs worldwide, symbolizing the enduring legacy of this incredible institution in the world of rugby union.
- Barbarian F.C.en.wikipedia.org