Rowe out of retirement to face the Lions

Wanganui Rugby Stalwart Peter Rowe will line up against the Lions in June's tour opener. Photo/ Stuart Munro

Peter Rowe will get the chance to bookend a stellar career by running out against the British & Irish Lions.

Yesterday the Steelform Wanganui stalwart was named in the Provincial Barbarians side to face the Lions in their tour opener in Whangarei on June 3.

It was a special moment for the 35-year-old who considered his playing days over.
"It's something I never thought would be an option," Rowe told the Chronicle from Auckland where he'd been at the team naming. "I was sitting up in the Barbarians lounge this morning and it started to dawn on me."

Rowe had indicated retirement at the end of last season but admitted he was missing the game and toying with the idea of putting the boots on again.

"When I got the phone call (about the Lions) that made a hard decision easy."

Rowe has just under two months of club rugby for Ruapehu to get in shape before taking on some of the world's best.

"It would've been great seven or eight years ago when I was in my prime but that's the game of footy isn't it?"

The Barbarian coaches have got him on a training programme before the side assemble a week before the match.

Whatever side the Lions put out will be quality but Rowe said he would enjoy lining up against Welsh flanker Sam Warburton, although he is in a race to be fit for the tour.

"I just like the way he plays. It'll be interesting to see who I end up facing."

Rowe is the only player from the Heartland competition to make the side with the remainder coming from Mitre 10 Cup teams.

Rowe has played 119 games for Wanganui since 2003, appearing in ten finals
With Wanganui he has won the NPC Third Division championship, five Heartland Meads Cup championships and one Lochore Cup.

Rowe was also named the 2010 and 2012 Heartland Player of the Year at the national rugby awards and has been a fixture in the NZ Heartland XV.

He's never played a full international team but has lined up against the All Blacks in a training match and Argentina A.

Rowe will be joined in the Barbarians side by Steelform Wanganui manager Chris Back who was earlier named as the Barbarians team manager.

Wanganui Rugby CEO Bridget Belsham said it was great for Rowe and the province.

"The big thing from our point of view is it is an acknowledgement of his contribution and what he's done for rugby.