Barbarians name first-ever Women’s squad

Editor

The Barbarians will deploy a side packed with international experience for their first-ever women’s fixture, against Munster next Friday.

A 23-strong squad with 1,019 international caps has been named by Head Coach Giselle Mather ahead of the November 10 game at Thomond Park.

The side is a cosmopolitan one with seven different nations represented. Veteran New Zealand scrum-half Emma Jensen flies in from Auckland to take part while Canada provide Kelly Russell and Amanda Thornborough.

There are seven players from Ireland and four from the Old Belvedere club in Ailis Egan, Marie Riley, Jackie Shiels and Nora Stapleton.

Fiona Coghlan is from UL Bohemians and Tania Rosser from Blackrock while Galwegians flanker Edel McMahon will the be the squad’s uncapped player – a Barbarians’ tradition.

“It’s a huge honour for the esteemed and experienced athletes that have been selected to wear the Barbarians shirt for the first time,” said Mather.

“They represent both the journey of the development of women’s rugby and on November 10 will be taking a big step into the future of the game.

“Everyone involved in the management of the team is looking forward to making this a truly memorable Barbarians experience for the players and paving the way for things to come.”

Barbarians squad to face Munster

Forwards: Tracy Balmer, Susie Brown, Fiona Coghlan, Lenaige Corson, Claire Cripps, Ailis Egan, Becky Essex, Amy Garnett, Edel McMahon, Marie Riley, Kelly Russell, Rachel Taylor

Backs: Emma Jensen, Elen Evans, Megan Goddard, Camille Grassineau, Vicki Jackson, Christelle LeDuff, Tania Rosser, Georgina Roberts, Jackie Shiels, Nora Stapleton Amanda Thornborough