Barbarians side packed with experience
Barbarians head coach Giselle Mather has chosen a squad full of experience for the first-ever women’s fixture of the brand, against Munster at Thomond Park on November 10 (4.45pm).
Published by Alison Donnelly, November 2nd, 2017
3 minute read
A 23-strong squad with 1,019 international caps between them will make life very difficult for the hosts.
There are 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 the former Irish captain 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.”
Entry to the historic first Barbarians womens’ game is included free with tickets to the Barbarians v Tonga match later in the day. Prices start at €15 adults and €10 children. Visit www.ticketmaster.ie
Barbarians v Munster Women
Forwards
Tracy Balmer (Worcester & Scotland) 43 capsSusie Brown (Richmond & Scotland) 62 capsFiona Coghlan (UL Bohemians & Ireland) 85 capsLenaige Corson (Stade Rennais & France) 24 capsClaire Cripps (Wasps & England) 43 capsAilis Egan (Old Belvedere & Ireland) 46 capsBecky Essex (Richmond & England) 57 capsAmy Garnett (Saracens & England 100 capsEdel McMahon (Galwegians) 0 capsMarie Riley (Old Belvedere & Ireland) 54 capsKelly Russell (Toronto Nomads & Canada) 53 capsRachel Taylor (Caernarfon & Wales) 67 caps
Backs
Emma Jensen (College Rifles & New Zealand) 49 capsElen Evans (Caernarfon & Wales) 73 capsMegan Goddard (Gloucester-Hartpury & England) 5 capsCamille Grassineau (Stade Francais & France) 18 capsVicki Jackson (Wasps & England) 2 capsChristelle LeDuff (SO Villonguet & France) 70 capsTania Rosser (Blackrock & Ireland) 58 capsGeorgina Roberts (Darlington MP Sharks & England) 15 capsJackie Shiels (Old Belvedere & Ireland) 22 capsNora Stapleton (Old Belvedere & Ireland) 50 capsAmanda Thornborough (Westshore & Canada) 23 caps
Head Coach: Giselle MatherAssistant coach: Lisa BurgessTeam manager: Fiona Stockley