Magners League stars for and against the Babaas

The reigning Grand Slam Champions will face the Barbarians at Munster's Thomond Park on the evening of Friday, June 4 in what will be the first encounter between the two sides in more than a decade.

An Ireland squad that saw just one non-Magners League player earn game time during the current calendar year will finish 2009 as the world's fourth-ranked side following victories over England, France, Italy, Scotland, Wales, Canada, USA, Fiji and South Africa and a draw against Australia.

Next on the agenda is the forthcoming Six Nations after which a mouth-watering clash with the Barbarians has been confirmed as part of the preparations for the summer tour of the southern hemisphere.

"This promises to be a truly memorable occasion as both the IRFU and Munster welcome the Barbarians once more to Ireland," said Irish Rugby Football Union president John Callaghan.

"The much celebrated Barbarians' brand of rugby will surely bring an entertaining game to Thomond Park and one which I am sure Ireland rugby fans will looking forward to seeing."

Those sentiments were echoed by Thomond Park's stadium director John Cantwell, who admitted he is thrilled to continue to bring international rugby to the home of the Magners League Champions.

"We are delighted to have secured this most prestigious event and it further enhances the reputation of Thomond Park Stadium as an international class venue," explained Cantwell.

"The superb victory achieved by the Barbarians over the All Blacks last weekend highlights the quality of their squads, and I am certain that sports fans across the country will be excited at the prospect of watching the galaxy of world class players that will be participating in this unique match.

"This event will also deliver significant economic benefits to local businesses and provide a substantial level of positive media exposure that will help to promote the region as a tourist destination."

A trio of Magners League players have already been invited to represent the world's most-famous touring team against the Irish, with a South African, New Zealander and Australian adding extra spice to what should be fantastic encounter.

Munster regulars Jean de Villiers, Doug Howlett and Paul Warwick all look set to line up in black and white shirts at their home ground next summer.

The fixture will be just the third time the two sides have met in Ireland, with the hosts yet to record a victory.

Ireland were comfortably beaten 70-38 in Dublin in 1996 before putting up a far braver fight in a 31-30 reverse in the same city four years later.

The Babaas themselves have appeared in Ireland on a total of seven occasions, winning six times and losing just once.

As well as the brace of victories over the Irish national side, the Babaas have beaten South Africa, Cork Constitution, Wanderers and an Ulster Invitation XV, with their only loss coming against Old Wesley in 1991.

"We are absolutely delighted to be invited back to Ireland where we have so many friends in the game," added Barbarian president Micky Steele-Bodger.

"Over the years Irish rugby folk have done the Barbarians proud, both as players and club administrators.

"To be visiting the new stadium at Thomond Park is an added attraction and honour for us. Back in 1991 we were in Munster to help Cork Constitution F.C. to celebrate their centenary and we have enjoyed similar anniversary matches with Old Wesley and the Wanderers in Dublin.

"The prospect of playing the national team and the 2009 Six Nations Champions in Limerick is something we shall look forward to tremendously and will provide a fitting climax to our 2010 summer tour."