Ashton To Coach Baabaa’S For South Of Scotland Clash

Former England head coach Brian Ashton has accepted an invitation to prepare the Barbarians’ squad for the Bill McLaren Foundation Match against South of Scotland at Mansfield Park, Hawick, on Tuesday 11 October.Ashton, himself a Barbarian when he played at scrum-half against Penarth in 1975, also coached the Barbarians in the 2010 Remembrance Match against Combined Services. Former England head coach Brian Ashton has accepted an invitation to prepare the Barbarians’ squad for the Bill McLaren Foundation Match against South of Scotland at Mansfield Park, Hawick, on Tuesday 11 October.Ashton, himself a Barbarian when he played at scrum-half against Penarth in 1975, also coached the Barbarians in the 2010 Remembrance Match against Combined Services.He said, “I am delighted to be part of an event which recognises the contribution of the legendary Bill McLaren to rugby union. The Barbarians’ squad is taking shape nicely and promises to play in the best attacking traditions of the club.”Barbarians’ secretary Alan Evans added, “Our team will have players from the four home countries and nationalities further afield. As things currently stand, we should also have at least two players who are in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand at the moment.”He added, “We are particularly pleased that Bill McLaren’s grandson, Jim Thompson, will be in the Barbarians’ starting line-up at full-back – and appreciate the co-operation of Edinburgh Rugby in releasing him to play.” Match tickets are£10 (grandstand) and£5 (terracing) with pre match hospitality£45 – all are available from www.billmclarenfoundation.co.uk/south-v-barbarians or by phoning John Thorburn on 07929 655132.