Barbarians A Family Affair For O’Callaghans

As Donncha O’Callaghan prepares to line out for the Barbarians on Sunday, his brother and past Baa-baas representative Ultan, recalls their childhood memories of the Barbarians and the team’s importance to the modern game.

A past player and current Domestic Rugby Manager for Munster, Ultan O’Callaghan was afforded the opportunity to play for the Barbarians in 2002 alongside provincial team mate Killian Keane. The game against the Combined Services (Army, Navy, Air Force) was played at the Rectory in Plymouth with the Baa-baa's losing by the narrowest of margins on the day, 27-26.

Now, over decade later, Donncha, the youngest of the O’Callaghan brothers is set to follow in the footsteps of Ultan when he takes to the field against an England XV at Twickenham on Sunday;

Clearly delighted to receive the honour, and proud of his family association with the team, Donncha tweeted the photo to the right on Wednesday with the caption;

Can't wait to join my brother and be part of the @Barbarian_FC tradition. Honoured. #FamilyPhoto

Naturally, Ultan is delighted for his brother;

“It’s fantastic for the family. Donncha has great credentials, and having achieved just about everything you can achieve in the game, I guess you could call the Barbarians the icing on the cake.”

Playing for the Barbarians was a childhood dream for both brothers, Ultan tells us why;

“When we were young there wasn’t as much rugby on TV. All we had was Fred Cogley and Jim Sherwin commentating on the Five Nations as it was back then. The only other option was to go watch a club game or see a visiting side play Munster at Musgrave Park. Instead of live TV rugby we had videos, and just this morning I heard Donncha talking about an old rugby video we had as kids; ‘101 Best Tries’, and the Baa-baas try against New Zealand in ’73 which was one we watched over and over.”

See the try in question by clicking here.

You could argue Donncha has been preparing for this game his whole life, if summer evenings in the park are anything to go by;

“Growing up as a child in the late 80s and early 90s, for Donncha the Play Station of the day was our green at the front of the house. The green was where you (in your mind) played for the Baa-baas, Munster, the Lions or even for Manchester United.

“All of us as children playing the in park is the memory, and then to have it come full circle with Donncha lining out for the Barbarians on Sunday, we can look back and see just how fantastic his journey has been over the years. We’re very proud of him as a family, and the wider community of Bishopstown, Cork, Munster and Ireland is always very proud to see any Irishman put on the Barbarians jersey.”

The Corkman also feels passionately about the tradition of the Barbarians and what it brings to the modern
game;

“Personally, being involved in coaching and player development, I think it’s huge. We’re in a shift at the moment where kids are saturated with rugby. It’s available round the clock for 12 months of the year between Heineken Cup, Six Nations, Super 15, U20 Junior World Cup, etc. In these games it’s all about result, result, result. As coaches, volunteers, teachers and parents we have a responsibility to ensure the important values and ethos of the game are passed on.

“In a very busy schedule of rugby the Barbarians and Lions are in many ways the last white knights of the brotherhood of Union which is coming together, enjoying each other’s company, getting to know each other through the game and socialising with your opposition. It also show’s young people that rugby is a game for people of all backgrounds and cultures.

“The values the Barbarians bring very much represent the ethos on which the game was founded by William Web Ellis which is go out, express yourself, play for one another and be respectful to your opposition.

“With the Baa-baas, win or lose is very much irrelevant. It’s about how you play the game and if you go out and play to your full potential, then that’s all you can give. And if it’s the case your opposition has played better on the day and emerges victorious, then you stick out your hand and say well done.”

England XV v Barbarians, Twickenham, Sunday June 1st. KO 15:00