CSU star Hugh Medway and Bathurst product Charlie Clifton are set to represent the Australian Barbarians today at Wade Park in the Baa-Baa’s match-up with the NSW Country Eagles’ development squad, a pre-cursor to the Eagles’ top grade squad’s National Rugby Championship clash with the Melbourne Rising.

Medway is one of five Central West Rugby Union talents picked in the squad and while the competition’s recently crowned player of the year has also been named as a reserve, he is expected to see some game time. 

Clifton has been named on one wing with Orange Emus’ flier Carter Hirini on the other.

Emus’ rock-solid tighthead prop Brent Braithwaite, Orange City hooker Josh Tremain and Narromine back rower Lachie McCutcheon have also been named on the bench.

Barbarians’ co-coach Andrew Logan, also coach of Orange Emus, heaped praise on the concept and said, especially for the country players, it provides an opportunity few have had before.

“It’s a big opportunity for these guys and it’s great the way the Barbarians have done this one,” he explained.

“They look at the opposition and like to give some guys who are knocking on the door of rep sides some exposure. Honestly, it’s great for anyone to have this sort of rugby experience.

“A huge part of this is extending people’s rugby relationships,” Logan added.

“It has you playing with guys you normally play against, and meeting new people which can provide even more opportunities. It should be great fun.”

Several more Central West representatives will play for the Eagles’ development side. Fresh off winning the Blowes Clothing Cup, Dubbo Kangaroos and NSW Country Cockatoos stars Pete Nau and Filisone Pauta, along with Parkes trio Amoni Vea, Dan Ryan and Mahe Fangupo, have been named for the Eagles’ development squad.

“It’s a bit of a [Blowes Clothing Cup] reunion, a lot of these guys will know the others’ games,” Logan said.

“It should be a cracking game, the only problem with the Baa-Baas is the lack of time they get together. You always want the Barbarians to win, and we’ll definitely be competitive, but if we can down the Eagles on such short notice it will be a massive achievement.”

Kick-off between the Baa-Baas and the Eagles’ development squad will be at 12.30pm today at Wade Park.

AUSTRALIAN BARBARIANS: 1 Finbar Simpson, 2 Scott Podmore, 3 Nick Blacklock, 4 Tyson Tamihere, 5 Angus Hamilton, 6 Reuben Rolleston, 7 Michael Smith, 8 Andrew Cox, 9 Harry Boileau, 10 Toby Brown, 11 Charlie Clifton, 12 Tom Azar, 13 Shane Imo, 14 Carter Hirini, 15 Benny Johnston; Bench: 16 Josh Tremain, 17 Brent Braithwaite, 18 Rory McMullen, 19 Hugh Medway, 20 Lachie McCutcheon, 21 Jack Grant, 22 Harry Bennet, 23 Henry Carmichael.