DUBLIN (AFP) - Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll is among the players set to face the Barbarians in his country's clash with the invitational side on May 27.

The teams will meet at Kingsholm, the south-west home of English giants Gloucester as Ireland warm-up for their tour of New Zealand and Australia.

Ireland will field a star-studded line-up including skipper Brian O'Driscoll for their clash with the Barbarians at Kingsholm on May 27.

The participation of players from Munster may be limited by the province's involvement in the knockout stages of the European Cup, with the tournament final staged three days earlier.

But the likes of O'Driscoll, Shane Horgan, Jamie Heaslip and Tommy Bowe will be available following the early exit of Ulster and Leinster from European competition.

Ireland play New Zealand in Wellington on June 7 before heading to Melbourne to meet the Wallabies a week later.

Eddie O'Sullivan, the Ireland coach, said: "We believe it will be important to give players a competitive game before we arrive in New Zealand.

"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 in the 22-5 victory over South Africa in December last year was one of the highlights of my coaching career."

For the Barbarians the match forms the middle leg of a three-game tour featuring matches against a Belgium XV in Brussels before they face England at Twickenham on June 1.

Among the stars the Barbarians hope to recruit are Josh Lewsey (England), Felipe Contepomi (Argentina), Schalk Burger (South Africa) and Stephen Larkham (Australia)