The match will mark the beginning of a new era for Wales with Wayne Pivac coming in to replace Warren Gatland as head coach. Gatland will also have his final outing at the home of Welsh rugby as coach of the Barbarians XV.
It is a fitting way for both men to bring an end to their distinguished careers with Ireland and Wales. Best made 124 appearances for his country over a 14 year period and captained his country on 38 occasions.
His final outing was in the World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand this month in Japan – his 15th World Cup game at his fourth tournament.
“I’m very honoured to be given the chance to play for the Barbarians. It has long been on my bucket list and I’m very much looking forward to joining the squad to take on Wales,” said Best.
“So many illustrious players from around the world have represented the Club over the years and I can’t think of a better way to finish off my career than pulling on the famous black and white jersey.”
Best knows Wales, and the Principality Stadium, inside out, having already played against them a record 18 times in his career. He has also made 12 international appearances in Cardiff, 10 of them against Wales.
RORY BEST IN NUMBERS
Age: 37
Caps: 124 (73-3-48)
Captain: 38 (24-1-13)
Points: 60 (12 tries)
Grand Slams: 2 (2009, 2018)
6N Titles: 4 (2009, 2014, 2015, 2018)
Triple Crowns: 4 (2006, 2007, 2009, 2018)
B&I Lions Tours: 2
RWC: 4 (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019)
P W D L
v Wales 18 10 1 7
v Wales in Cardiff 10 6 0 4
At Principality Stadium 12 7 0 5
Among his many highlights was captaining Ireland to the No 1 spot in the World Rugby rankings and leading them to their first victories over New Zealand – at Soldier’s Field, Chicago, in November, 2016, and then in Dublin in November, 2018.
The game against the Barbarians on 30 November will be preceded by a game between Wales Women and the Barbarians Women. It will be the first time the two teams have met.
Fans can secure tickets from www.eticketing.co.uk/principalitystadium/ with prices starting from just £30.
