Playing for the Barbarians is not taken that seriously in this modern era, if he was picked for the English RU side then it would be a slap in the face. It's not the pinnacle of a career to be picked for the Ba-Ba's or anything close to that. In the Amateur era it was a much bigger deal, now there are so many more important fixtures that it's way down the Totem poll of significance.

The Barbarians fixtures aren't serious matches they pick one uncapped player and a lot of players from the Southern Hemisphere who are in the off season. Danny Cipriani has been selected so that should tell you it isn't the elite players of the Union world there is a mix of quality talent to average who are available. You'll see on Saturday they have a code of play which is to entertain they won't take a penalty at goal unless it's absolutely required.

It is a kick in the teeth for current union players that sams been picked but let's be honest, the whole thing is based on turning SAMs head.

Yep and and I cant believe some fans, RFL and Wigan RL cannot see this.

Sam has been picked for one reason only and that is to bring him closer to Rugby Union!

That is one reason why the NRL would never agree to something like this.

Your right the British & Irish Lions the most prestigious cap a player can receive you really are an elite Union play if your in the Lions squad.

That's bringing a different argument into the matter though. The media can say what they want - as they usually do - but what will be reported is that Sam is a Wigan Rugby League player, because that's what he is.

Anything after that is solely up to the editor to create a story. My point was about the organisation of rugby union as a sport, not about the media's perception of the proceedings.

Publicity is publicity - that's for the media to spin whichever way they see fit - it doesn't mean the organistional body have these same thoughts, which is why I think they've asked Sam in the first place. They obviously have nobody else good enough from their sport.

That discounts Dan Carter then lol

this is just a general question btw and im not suggesting hes not commited or whatever but if he was as loyal as you say st pete and wanted to play for wigan for the next 3 yrs at least then why was this clause even considered for his new contract?

I find it really strange that Wigan have agreed to this! It really is a strange one.

Something just don't sound right to me.

The Ba-Bas games are broadcast on ESPN - even here in the Caribbean - that's a pretty big deal in itself. That audience is massive, all along the East coast of the US.

To that audience, they'll see what they consider the best. Whilst they might not realise Sam doesn't actually play that sport normally, it says a lot about why he was picked.

No my friend. Sam has been picked us there is certain people in RU who want to turn his head! Just look at this as a new method from Rugby Union to hurt Rugby League!

Do you not think the RFU will be all over Sam this week? I bet the RFU are already lining up people for Sam to meet.

Obviously the clause was out in place to keep him at Wigan for at least the next 3 years but then Wigan make a mockery of the clause and let him play union.

Very strange.