Former Wallabies and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans will take charge of the Barbarians for their matches against Ireland and England in May.

The contests, to be played at Thomond Park and Twickenham, will mark the 125th anniversary of the Barbarians foundation.

Deans, the most successful coach in the history of Vodacom Super Rugby, is currently coaching in Japan, where he has guided the Panasonic Wild Knights to the Top League final. Two of his players, Berrick Barnes and George Whitelock, have already been called up for the match, along with Argentinian Tomás Cubelli.

'I count my trips back to the UK as special times in my rugby coaching career and a couple of fixtures against the third- and fourth-ranked rugby nations in a World Cup year are an exciting prospect,' Deans said. 'The Barbarians are an iconic team with a special place in rugby's history and it's a privilege to be invited to be their coach.

'Their performances against England and Australia last year were outstanding and that's the standard we have to uphold.'

The Barbarians will also face Argentina in November following the World Cup, but there's been no indication whether Deans will still be involved.

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