Fiona Coghlan one of seven Irish players included in first women’s Barbarians squad

A 23-strong squad with over 1,000 international caps between them has been named by Head Coach Giselle Mather for their historic clash with Munster at Thomond Park on November 10.

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 flying the flag for UL Bohemian and Tania Rosser for Blackrock while Galwegians flanker Edel McMahon will the be the squad’s uncapped player – a Barbarians’ tradition.

Coghlan, who studied at the University of Limerick previously captained Ireland to their first Women’s Six Nations title in 2013, and was part of the side that made history by beating the Black Ferns in the 2014 Rugby World Cup.

This is a serious squad for the historic first @Barbarian_FC women's match v @Munsterrugby https://t.co/If81kVxmSh

— Fiona Coghlan (@CoghlanFiona) November 1, 2017

“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.

Barbarians v Munster Women

Forwards

Tracy Balmer (Worcester & Scotland) 43 caps

Susie Brown (Richmond & Scotland) 62

Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemian & Ireland) 85

Lenaige Corson (Stade Rennais & France) 24

Claire Cripps (Wasps & England) 43

Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere & Ireland) 46

Becky Essex (Richmond & England) 57

Amy Garnett (Saracens & England 100

Edel McMahon (Galwegians) 0

Marie Riley (Old Belvedere & Ireland) 54

Kelly Russell (Toronto Nomads & Canada) 53

Rachel Taylor (Caernarfon & Wales) 67

Backs

Emma Jensen (College Rifles & New Zealand 49)

Elen Evans (Caernarfon & Wales) 73

Megan Goddard (Gloucester-Hartpury & England) 5

Camille Grassineau (Stade Francais & France) 18

Vicki Jackson (Wasps & England) 2

Christelle LeDuff (SO Villonguet & France) 70

Tania Rosser (Blackrock & Ireland) 58

Georgina Roberts (Darlington MP Sharks & England) 15

Jackie Shiels (Old Belvedere & Ireland) 22

Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere & Ireland) 50

Amanda Thornborough (Westshore & Canada) 23

Head Coach: Giselle Mather

Assistant coach: Lisa Burgess

Team manager: Fiona Stockley