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Adam Jones and Alex Cuthbert join Barbarians squad

Adam Jones and Alex Cuthbert are set to make their first appearances for the Barbarians against Ireland and England this month.

The Wales and British & Irish Lions duo have been invited to join the squad by former Australia coach Robbie Deans for games against Ireland at Thomond Park, Limerick (28 May) and an England XV at Twickenham Stadium (31 May).

Jones makes the move from Cardiff Blues to Harlequins this summer. The 34-year-old is a triple Grand Slam winner who retired from international rugby this season, after winning 95 caps for Wales and five for the British & Irish Lions.

British & Irish Lions v Barbarians

“I’ve always wanted to play for the Barbarians and I’m looking forward to it,” Jones says.” I’ve heard great things from those who’ve been involved in the past.

“I grew up in a rugby mad family and watched tapes of Gareth Edwards playing for the Barbarians and scoring his famous try. Wales, the Lions and the Barbarians were the big three you aspired to play for and it’s good to finally complete that set.”

Adding: “I’m coming into a new phase of my career, having retired from international rugby, and that has given me the opportunity to do new things like playing for the Barbarians before what should be a great spell at Harlequins.

“I’ve had one or two wins in my career at Thomond Park but that’s about it. It’s a tough place to play and a great stadium. It’ll be interesting playing in a Robbie Deans side rather than against one but it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

Barbarians v British & Irish Lions

Meanwhile, Cuthbert, 25, will be out to impress Warren Gatland ahead of Wales’ World Cup training camp. The Cardiff Blues wing has scored 14 tries in 32 internationals, as well as touching down for the Lions in the first test against Australia in 2013.

Tickets for the England XV v Barbarians match are priced from £35 and £15 for juniors (U16), available now at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.