Fiji Airways Flying Fijians No. 8 Viliame Mata has been included in the Barbarians squad for the clash against England at Twickenham on June 2.

Mata and fellow Fijian Filipo Nakosi have been included by Coach Pat Lam while injury has ruled out another Fijian flyer Josua Tuisova.

Mata won the 2019 Pro14 Players Player of 2019 and has been in devastating form since joining Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, Charles Piutau is the fourth Bristol Bears player to be called up by Lam.

The All Black will pull on the famous black and white jersey alongside Chris Vui, Steven Luatua and John Afoa at HQ, with head coach Lam returning with the same coaching team that plotted last season’s nine-try victory.

It will be Piutau’s second outing with the Barbarians at Twickenham following a try-scoring performance in a 43-19 victory over Fiji in 2013.

Toulon backrow forwards Liam Messam and Facundo Isa have also been called up to Lam’s squad, with New Zealand centre Malakai Fekitoa and Wales halfback Rhys Webb.

HONOUR FALLEN LEADER

It increases the depth of talent available to coach Lam, whose side beat England by a record 63-45 scoreline in the Quilter Cup match last year – and he hopes they will produce a performance to honour the memory of long-standing club president Micky Steeele-Bodger, who died at 93 last week.

Lam said: “Everyone involved in rugby was sad to hear about Micky’s passing.

“He was such a great character, gave so much to the game for so long, and held strong beliefs about the way it should be played on and off the field.”

Feedback:  oseab@fijisun.com.fj