Barbarians want to bark with big dogs, says coach

Newly promoted United Barbarians want to bark with the big dogs and have no intention of becoming a punching bag in the Score Energy Drink EPRU Top 12 club rugby competition, coach Ranie Smith said.

In-form Barbarians, who are based in the Patensie Ramaphosa Village region, have won promotion to the top flight along with ambitious KwaNobuhle club Star of Hope for the 2025 season.

They take the places of Hankey Villagers and Graaff-Reinet side Central, who were relegated to the Middle 12 Division.

“Our promotion to the Top 12 division is huge for us because rugby is the glue that brings this community in Patensie together,” Smith said.

“Barbarians want to play at this level we want to bark with the big dogs.

“This is a huge opportunity for everyone.

“Barbarians will get a lot of exposure from this so it's huge for the club.

“Most of our lads are aged 19 or early 20s so that makes our achievement so huge.

“These guys are still in their prime and they have not achieved anything because they are fresh out of school.

“It was all about getting belief into the guys.

“After that, the team just showed up week after week in the Middle 12 division.

“They were fighting above their weight and size and they pulled it through.

“I think we will be underrated by the more established clubs in the Top 12.

“If you go onto social media they say Barbarians will be the laughing stock and the punching bag in the Top 12.

“I would rather take the tag of being the punching bag because these guys will fight.

“I can tell you there will be a bunch of upsets and we will be the team responsible for the upsets.

“I believe we have the guns and resources to compete at the top level.

“Barbarians are not there to build up experience and then go back to the Middle 12 division.

“Our mission is to stay in the Top 12.

“We want to use Barbarians as a stepping stone for local talent to become professional players. 

“The guys can use this promotion to advertise themselves to the EP selectors.

“The scouts only come to watch Top 12 games.

“We want to get these guys recognition and get into the ranks of the EP Currie Cup team.

“We will be working hard in the off-season and we have some new sponsors backing us.

“Barbarians will be putting in the hours to have a good off-season to ensure the squad are in top shape.

“We must get it into  the guys' heads that they belong in the Top 12 and we will do that.

“In the off-season we will ensure they get into a better physical zone.

“Barbarians will play innovative running rugby because we do not have big guys in the forwards.

“We will try to run teams out of the ground and move the opposition around.

“Barbarians will play an ambitious brand of rugby that will be enjoyable and entertaining.

“That is what we want to bring to the Top 12.

“When people talk about Barbarians people must say those guys know how to play rugby and move the ball.

“So we have to be fit to achieve this.”

Barbarians chief executive Desmond Boosman said: “Huge congratulations to our mighty United Barbarians RFC on securing a spot in the 2025 Score Grand Challenge Cup Division Top 12.

“To our talented players: Your dedication, hard work and teamwork have paid off. Your passion and commitment to the game inspire us all.

“To our management: Your tireless efforts behind the scenes have been instrumental in our success.

“Thank you for your leadership and guidance.

“To our loyal supporters: Your unwavering enthusiasm and encouragement have driven us forward. We're honoured to have you as part of our Barbarians family!

“This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the collective effort of every single one of you.”

Newly elected Barbarians executive: President Aaron David Nelson, deputy president Dennis Albanie, vice-president Vuyokazi Charmaine Ntete, secretary Chantelle Klaas, assistant secretary Anthony Pakamisa, treasurer Allister Abrahams, assistant treasurer Eldrico E August, trustee 1 Stanley Dirk, additional member Emily Klaas, public relations officer Thembela Gladman Swepu, director of rugby Alie Felix, Covid officer Ben Olyn.

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