Radio shock-jock Alan Jones is coming out of a 30-year hiatus to coach a rugby union team that will be playing in Lismore next Tuesday.
Jones will be coaching the international Barbarians squad, which will be playing against the Classic Wallabies at Lismore’s Crozier Field.
His team includes 17 Australian-based players with several being fringe players for the Wallabies.
The Barbarians line-up includes: Anaru Rangi, Andrew Ready, Augustine Pulu, Chance Peni, Eto Nabuli, George Moala, Isi Naisarani, Jacques Potgieter, Kane Koteka, Luke Jones, Matt Hodgson, Matt Philip, Michael Ruru, Pek Cowan, Quade Cooper, Richard Arnold, Sam Carter, Sam Greene, Sam Ward, Taniela Tupou, Taqele Naiyaravaro, Theo Strang, Tim Nanai-Williams and Tom Banks.
Between them, Quade Cooper, Matt Hodgson, Pek Cowan, Sam Carter, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Eto Nabuli and Luke Jones have played over 100 Wallabies Tests.
Jones is no stranger to coaching, having coached the Australian Wallabies team for four years after replacing coach Bob Dwyer in 1984.
During his reign, the Wallabies won 86 victories from 102 matches, including 23 victories in 30 tests.
Also in 1984, Australia’s national team, the Wallabies, won the Grand Slam victories over England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, and a Barbarians side made up of the best players of those countries and France.
In 1985, Jones was awarded Coach of the Year from the Confederation of Australian Sport and in 1988 was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to rugby union.
Lismore City Council’s Tourism and Events Manager Mitch Lowe said the game at Crozier Field was a ‘match not to be mssed’.
‘He’s got some very good talent in his Barbarians line-up and we are expecting a fierce competition,’ Mr Lowe said.
‘To have this level of elite rugby union being played in Lismore is fantastic for our city and for rugby union fans.’
Tickets for the match are available at www.visitlismore.com.au and grandstand tickets are almost sold out.
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