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Barbarians face Samoa to make Olympic Stadium history

The Barbarians will make history at London’s Olympic Stadium this August, as they face Samoa in the first rugby match to be held at the iconic venue.

As well as preparing for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in September, the world famous invitation side have a number of International fixtures in celebration of their 125th anniversary.

Barbarians v Samoa will take place on Saturday 29 August, and will be delivered in partnership between Barbarians, E20 Stadium LLP and England Rugby 2015, Tournament Organisers for Rugby World Cup 2015.

London Olympic Stadium

The match will also allow organisers to trial aspects of match day delivery ahead of the venue hosting several Rugby World Cup fixtures, including the Bronze Final, later this year.

Samoa will utilise the match as a final warm-up opportunity before beginning their Rugby World Cup campaign against the USA at Brighton Community Stadium on 20 September.

Rugby World Cup 2015

Samoa coach Stephen Betham said: “It is a great privilege for the Samoan Rugby Union to play the Barbarians in the run up to Rugby World Cup 2015. Not only will it be our first ever match against the Baa-baas, but at the Olympic Stadium too, it will certainly be a historical moment for us.”

Adding: “The attacking flair of Barbarians rugby will be a good test for us to measure where we are at in our preparations for Rugby World Cup 2015. The game will allow us to test our attack, defensive systems and final combinations, and is the ideal final dress rehearsal for Manu Samoa’s Rugby World Cup 2015 campaign.”

Tickets for Barbarians v Samoa at London’s Olympic Stadium go on general sale this Friday 20 February at 10:00, from £20 for adults and £10 for juniors (U16s). A special 2-for-1 offer is also available on adult tickets until 21 March. Get tickets at Ticketmaster.co.uk.