'All Blacks' to Play the Barbarians at the Gtech
Rugby returns to Brentford FC's stadium this autumn
The Barbarians team will contain a mixture of legends and emerging talent. Picture: Brentford FC
August 6, 2025
Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium will play host to a high-profile rugby clash this autumn, as the All Blacks XV take on the Barbarians on Saturday, 1 November. The fixture kicks off at 1.15pm and marks the first appearance by both sides at the venue and the first game of rugby played there since May 2023 when London Irish beat Exeter Chiefs.
The Barbarians, known for assembling international talent from across the globe, will form a squad during the lead-up to the match. Their previous London outings have included victories against Fiji in 2022 and the World XV in 2023.
The All Blacks XV—New Zealand’s second-tier national team—are widely regarded as a crucial step in the nation’s elite rugby pathway. The team serves to hone players on the cusp of full international selection and aims to provide high-calibre experience ahead of major tournaments in 2026 and 2027.
This will be only the second meeting between the two sides; their first was a 2022 clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which saw the Barbarians claim the win.
Brentford’s commercial director, Fran Jones, welcomed the occasion, saying the event is “a privilege” for the stadium and promises to showcase both legendary players and emerging talent. “We look forward to opening our doors to rugby fans and giving them a day to remember,” Jones said.
Barbarians president John Spencer reflected on the long-standing rivalry between the Barbarians and New Zealand sides, citing the iconic 1973 match featuring Gareth Edwards’ legendary try. “Supporters will be as excited as we are for this game,” Spencer said.
Tickets for the match go on sale to Brentford season ticket holders, premium seat holders, and club members starting Thursday, 7 August at 10am via the club's ticketing platform. Prices start at £35 for adults and £17.50 for under-16s.
There appears little hope at the moment of a permanent return of rugby to the stadium with no recent updates on where London Irish is planning to play its games if or when it returns to the professional game.
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