The London Wasps director of rugby, who previously played and coached Cardiff Blues, will take charge of the famous invitational club for their entire summer tour, which includes a clash with England.
Young, who won 51 caps for Wales including 12 as captain, has already tasted success with the Baa-Baas having led them to victories over Wales and England in 2011.
And he is relishing the opportunity to take their reins for just their second clash with the Lions, who were victors on the last occasion the two sides met – in 1977 to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
“I have been privileged to coach the Barbarians on three previous summer tours in recent years but never mind how many times I am invited it is always an honour and one that I cherish,” said Young
“It is also a big responsibility to uphold the traditions of the Barbarians and to get the best out of the fantastic group of players they invariably assemble for these matches.
“This will be even more so next summer. The annual game against England is a big enough occasion it itself but to play the Lions on the first match of their own major tour is really a case of the icing on the cake.
“It promises to be a tremendous tour and all those of us involved will be committed to making it a big success.”
The dual-code international will be joined by fellow former Lion and Wales star Derek Quinnell, who will act as team manager.
“ On behalf of my colleagues on the Barbarian committee it was a pleasure for me to invite David Young to be our coach again and we’re delighted that he accepted the opportunity with such good grace,” said Quinnell.
“I have worked with him before – though it seems a long time ago that I was in the Wales’ coaching set-up with Tony Gray and we sent for Dai to join our squad for the quarter-final of the first Rugby World Cup in 1987.
“He was a young 19-year-old prop at the time but was equal to the task and two years later he was back in Australia with the Lions and an automatic choice for the test team that won the series.
“The other great thing about Dai is that as a player and now an experienced and successful coach he understands what makes the Barbarians tick and fully respects and furthers the traditions of our club.”
