Cummins left Australian rugby for a lucrative deal in Japan in order to better provide for his sick father and the rest of his family but is pumped to be taking on his old mates in a Barbarians shirt on November 1 at Twickenham.
His return to London to contest the Killik Cup will bring back the memory of Cummins first Test try against England in a 20-14 win in 2012 even if he’ll be on the other side.
“Playing for your country is an awesome thing and a great feeling so it was a tough call,” said Cummins of asking to be released from his Western Force contract this year.
“Everyone has their own mission in life and what they’ve got to do. You can’t knock them for it. There’s always a lot going in people’s lives. I’ve had a good run, a good stint and I’m grateful for that. You never say never. There’s always a chance to do things in the future.
“It’ll be great to be back at Twickenham where I got my first meatie [try] and it’ll be nice to run out against the boys and I’m sure there’ll be some banter and some carry on. The preparation week might be different but what a great experience to be on both sides of the pitch.”
Cummins is encouraging fans to get into the spirit of things and dress up in his honour, as is often the case with fans rocking up in curly blonde wigs and headbands.
“I think it’d be outstanding if people dressed up,” he said. “I’ll be over the fence, having a yarn and speak to as many as I can. If I see them make the effort then they bloody deserve a good yarn and a couple of frothies.”
Get tickets for Barbarians v Australia from £30 for adults at www.ticketmaster.co.uk
