And some are too simple to see that 'the contract' negates the other. It's an oxymoron.They learn oxymoron at English GCSE.

When/ if Sam goes, there will be some eggs on faces.

www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=41800

www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=41800

Wonder if people kicked off this much when some of our players played union in the transition between premiership and SL rugby? Those players were contracted to us and couldve got injured but I bet everyone said that "at least they keep match fit in preperation for the new year" etc etc

Hes playing a one off showpiece if hes unfortunate enough to get injured thats the way the cookie crumbles. He could just as easily get injured in the home falling down stairs or tripping over his dog and hyper extending something or things like that.

Good luck to Sam in the Baa-Baas match I hope he is gets the opportunity to show league off in a good light as they normally play open rugby.

The Barbarian Football Club is an invitational rugby union team based in Britain. The Barbarians play in traditional black and white hoops, though players retain the socks from their "home" club strip. (So Wigan socks on show)

Membership is by invitation and the only qualifications considered when issuing an invitation are that the player's rugby is of a high enough standard and secondly that he should behave himself on and off the field. Being asked to become a Barbarian is an honour and not one restricted to British players; in addition to all four of the Home Nations, players from 27 other countries have worn Barbarian colours. Traditionally at least one uncapped player is selected for each match.

Good luck Sam. Personally, I hope you hate it and never want to leave but I doubt that'll happen!

Is anyone watching the game? I'm stuck in work, but wouldn't mind some updates.

0-3 to Aus, the Barbarians passing is awful, Tomkins just made a great tackle to stop what would've been a try. Obviously has been getting into some bad positions in rucks etc but that can't be helped with little experience. As I type, Barbarians just made a break which had the man passed to Tomkins into support would've scored. However following on a similar theme with the passing it was an awful attempt.

yep, one clear break for either side completely blown by the man carrying the ball. lol union etc.

This game can only be good for Sam - it'll show him first hand how boring Union is.

baa baa's number 13 is shocking, Sam could have had at least 1 try by now

How can a professional rugby player be so inept with the ball in hand?!

hes a union player...

shocking pass by Habana too

No chance of him leaving in 3 years then.

Jesus this is dire, this could be a master stroke to ensure Sam never even considers Union as an option scrappy, low quality, slow. Never seen as many stray passes, bad defence and poor passing.

Well, thats 40+ mins im never going to get back. Time for F1...

Throw in no trophies, and you're describing 'that' lot from over the hill

The New Zealander inside of Sam is butchering everything. Sam could potentially have scored two trys if it wasn't for the New Zealnders incompetence. As for the skills on show, diabolical just about sums it up.

I wouldn't have watched it if Sam wasn't playing but I'm glad I have. It makes me feel spoiled at the speed, skill and power that we get to watch every week!

The passing and defending in this international is worse than I have ever seen on a thursday night for the championship games. Infact I have seen a higher standard of passing at high school level - I am not even joking.

The number 13 could have given a simple pass to Tomkins and sent him under the sticks! The aussies have blown so many chances and the two tries they got came from awful positioning in defense.

What a terrible sport, I hope Sam understands how poor it is and continues to better himself in RL. If he does want more money I hope he goes to the NRL, his talent would be wasted in RU. It is a shame players like Habana can't play RL as well.

I've watched about 10 minutes so far, Absolutely dreadfull! I've not actually seen sam directly involved yet so can't comment on his performance, But if this doesn't put him off playing union, I don't know what will.

This is just pants!

Sam tomkins is one of the only barbarians to come out with any credit up to now. Good on him and he could have had 2 trys with better service.

Based on his performance alone I doubt anybody would be interested anyway.

Can anyone in Rugby Union pass a ball? Serious question.

With and without the balls he's done everything he could do.