In the light of Ireland's scintillating performance against Scotland in the current Six Nations and the Barbarians eye-catching victory over South Africa at Twickenham there is every prospect of another feast of running rugby to enthral the West Country crowd.
The Barbarians will be coached by David Young from the Cardiff Blues, who said: "In my playing days, to be selected for the Lions or the Barbarians was the ultimate honour. To be invited now to take charge of what is sure to be a star-studded Barbarians' touring squad is the greatest achievement of my coaching career and I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenges ahead."
Among the many global names to be invited to join the Barbarians squad are, Felipe Contepomi (Leinster & Argentina), Schalk Burger (Western Province & South Africa) and Stephen Larkham (Ricoh Black Rams & Australia).
Players such as captain Brian O'Driscoll, Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble and Shane Horgan will be part of the Ireland team preparing for the Kingsholm date.
Ireland's coach Eddie O'Sullivan said, "We felt it was important to give players a competitive game before we arrived in New Zealand as, depending on results, at least three of the provinces would be short on game time with the gap between the end of their domestic fixtures and the first game against New Zealand.
"Playing against such a great rugby institution as the Barbarians should be a special occasion. My own involvement with the Barbarians playing South Africa in December last year was one of the highlights of my coaching career and showed what a competitive and entertaining game could be in store for the supporters at Kingsholm".
Ken Nottage, Gloucester's Managing Director added: "On behalf of everyone at Gloucester Rugby, I would like to express our excitement at hosting a match of this calibre at Kingsholm."
"We view the Baa-Baas v Ireland match as a huge honour for our community and are proud to be asked to stage this event. It would be fantastic to get the tremendous backing of our supporters to illustrate the region's ever growing commitment to supporting the game at all levels from grass roots to the international stage.
"This also further enhances our Stadium's reputation following hugely successful International A and Under 20 matches at the club."
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday 10th March by calling the Gloucester Ticket Hotline on 0871 871 8781 or online at http://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/.
Tickets prices are as follows: Gold: £42. Silver: Adult £35, Concession £28 & Junior £20. Bronze and East Stand: Adult £26, Concession £22 & Junior £14. Shed and West Terrace: Adult £22, Concession £18 and Junior £12. (Booking fees apply)
Gloucester Rugby season ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase their own seat or standing place at a discounted rate until Friday, April 4th (3.30pm). Season ticket holders are reminded to quote their membership numbers when making a booking direct from the ticket office.
There are also a number of corporate hospitality options available and existing box holders will get first priority. For all enquiries contact the Corporate Hospitality Sales team at mandyisom@gloucesterrugby.co.uk or carriehamblett@gloucesterrugby.co.uk or by calling 01452 872273.
