UL Bohemians dominate the starting XV for Munster side named for historic Barbarians clash

This is the first time a Women’s Barbarian’s side has been formed

Thirty players have been included in Laura Guest’s first squad as the Munster Women’s side coach, with two separate XV’s to line out in each half against the inaugural barbarians side.

Their opponent’s have announced a 23 player squad with a total of 1,019 cps between them, suggesting they have experience in their favour even though this is the first time this sort of squad has been assembled.

Guest has named a total 10 Irish Internationals in her squad, with five girls having represented the Ireland Women’s 7’s side.

A former Ireland international herself, Guest is looking forward to the landmark occasion.

Siobhan Fleming captains Munster against the Barbarians

The Munster Women’s side, sponsored by Keanes jewellers, has been announced for Friday evening’s historic encounter against the Barbarians at Thomond Park (4.45pm).

A 30-player squad has been named with a different XV to line out in each half for new Head Coach Laura Guest’s first game in charge as Siobhan Fleming captains the side.

The Barbarians are fielding a women’s team for the first time in the clash and have named a 23-strong squad with 1,019 international caps between them as seven different nations will be represented.

Guest has named a side that combines a good mix of youth and experience – there are 10 Ireland internationals named and five of the squad have also represented the Ireland 7s team.

A former Ireland international herself, Guest is looking forward to the landmark occasion.

“They have over a thousand caps between them so it’s going to be a challenge. I hope that the girls really enjoy it first and foremost because it’s a history-making opportunity and it’s something that might never come around again – the chance to play a Barbarians side at the home of Munster Rugby.

“Obviously when you play well you enjoy it even more but it’s a great opportunity for all of us to be involved in. Credit must go to Amanda Greensmith [Munster Rugby Women’s Community Rugby Officer] for all her hard work in organising this fixture.”

With a number of league games scheduled for this weekend, Guest was delighted that the club sides allowed their players to be released for Friday evening’s clash.

“We’ve gotten permission from the clubs to use their players and we’re very grateful for that,” she said.

“We’re mindful that they have games at the weekend so it allows us to play all 30 members of our squad and see how certain combinations match up. It is a great opportunity for the entire squad to be involved rather than just the traditional 23, it guarantees that all of our players will get 40 minutes and that’s something you can’t guarantee too often.”

The fixture is set to be played before Tonga and The Barbarians meet at half 7, with both fixtures promising to be exciting and unique affairs.

Munster (First half)

15. Laura O’Mahony (UL Bohemian RFC/Ireland 7s)

14. Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird (UL Bohemian RFC)

13. Aine Staunton (UL Bohemian RFC)

12. Christine Arthurs (Highfield RFC/Ireland 7s)

11. Syphonia Pua (UL Bohemian RFC)

10. Valerie Power (Shannon RFC)

9. Nicole Cronin  (UL Bohemian RFC/Ireland & Ireland 7s)

1. Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemian RFC/Ireland)

2. Edel Murphy (UL Bohemian RFC)

3. Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemian RFC/Ireland)

4. Nuala O’Connor (Tralee RFC)

5. Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemian RFC/Ireland)

6. Dinah O’Mahony (Bandon RFC)

7. Siobhan Fleming (Tralee RFC/Ireland) (C)

8. Anna Caplice (UL Bohemian RFC/Ireland & Ireland 7s)

 

Munster (Second half)

15. Linda McNamara (Highfield RFC)

14. Laura Sheehan (UL Bohemian RFC)

13. Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemian RFC/Ireland & Ireland 7s)

12. Rachel Allen (UL Bohemian RFC)

11. Tracy Collopy (Shannon RFC)

10. Ellen Murphy (Old Belvedere RFC)

9. Helen McDermott (UL Bohemian RFC)

1. Leah Lyons (Highfield RFC/Ireland)

2. Zoe Grattage (Highfield RFC/Ireland)

3. Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemian RFC/Ireland)

4. Eileen Foley (Bandon RFC)

5. Roisin Ormond (Ballincollig RFC)

6. Clodagh O’Halloran (UL Bohemian RFC)

7. Siobhan McCarthy (Railway Union RFC)

8. Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemian RFC/Ireland)

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