With the door open to possible rugby World Cup inclusion, Wallabies legend George Smith is set to play at Twickenham this weekend for the Barbarians.
The 111-Test flanker was on Sunday the only Australian named in a 30-man Barbarians squad to face Ireland in Limerick on Thursday and an England XV at Twickenham three days later.
After the ARU changed eligibility rules recently, Smith – who is currently contracted to French club Lyon – is now available to resume his Test career as early as July.
Australia will battle England and Wales in crucial World Cup pool matches at Twickenham in London in October.
Also in the Barbarians squad is retiring former All Blacks lock Brad Thorn.
The 40-year-old played his last competition game for Leicester last weekend when they lost an English Premiership semi-final to Bath.
In possibly his last playing role before taking up a coaching role with the Queensland Reds, Thorn accepted an approach from Barbarians coach Robbie Deans – his former coach at the Crusaders – to play for the invitation team.
The former Australian rugby league international joins another five former All Blacks in the squad – outside backs Joe Rokocoko and Rene Ranger, flanker George Whitelock, lock Jason Eaton and prop Saimone Taumoepeau.
South Africans Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, Gio Aplon and Zane Kirchner are also in the BaaBaas squad.
Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has been given the job of Barbarians coach.
Brisneyland Local
Guest
You would be mad not to include him in your squad, not just for his playing abilities, the depth he gives you, but for the impact he will have on the much younger and experienced squad. He would be a great mentor, and example to the players. And lets face it some of the people in the squad need a serious man like GS to look upto and learn what real professionals behave like!
RobC
Roar Guru
35 next month (July 14)
Not Bothered
Guest
If I was Cheika I would pick him. Plays 7 & 8. Whats not to like?
Nigel Imrie
Guest
Great coach, didn't have the ear of the players, expected to teach Aussies Kiwi style rugby, was never going to work!!
Daz
Guest
Robbie, even though he wore out his welcome towards the end doesn't look so bad now does he? What odds for him to coach his beloved red and blacks next year?
Tiger
Guest
One of the greatest open sides to ever play the game! In the early days you couldn't split him or Ritchie. Great to see he's still getting around. Stillmissit, OSN will be televising the games. If you join OSN you can download the app and watch the games online wherever you are in the world, just as long as you have Internet connection, wifi, you're good to go.
Bakkies
Guest
Off to Wasps next season
Happyman
Guest
He and Richie are the two finest sevens in the past twenty years. George has fewer city miles on the clock as Richie has played at a higher level for the past seven years. George would not be out of place but it is the only area that we actually have cover.
BlueBlood
Guest
Halfway through the Top 14 season he was one of the leading 8's in the comp. Not sure how he has gone since then.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
I have no idea but wouldn't be hard to find out his age. Great that George is getting a run and that Deans is coaching them. Would love to see the games but I guess we wont get them on FOX.
Cynical Play
Guest
How old is George now? Anyone know his form in recent months?