Earlier this month, Ireland's Fiona Coghlan was announced as Ireland's first representative in a newly-formed Barbarians women's squad.
Ahead of their inaugural match against Munster in Thomand Park on November 10th, head coach Giselle Mather has named a squad boasting over 1,000 collective international caps.
Featuring a range of players from England, Scotland, Wales, France, Canada and New Zealand, six further Irish players have been confirmed alongside Coghlan.
Nora Stapleton, Jackie Shiels, Ailis Egan, Marie Riley (Old Belvedere), Edel McMahon (Galwegians) and Tania Rosser (Blackrock) are amongst those selected in the 23-strong squad.
In keeping with a Barbarians tradition of naming one squad member with no international caps, the Galwegians flanker McMahon occupies this role.
With Old Belvedere providing four of the Irish contingent, they were quick to celebrate the success of their representatives.
Huge congrats to all involved, including our own @NoraStapleton @AilisEgan @MazzieReilly and @jackie_shiels 👏 https://t.co/3GoJT4Cm8M
— OldBelvoWomen (@OldBelvoWomen) November 1, 2017
Speaking after the squad was announced, Mather had no doubts regarding the magnitude of what these players had achieved:
It's a huge honour for the esteemed and experienced athletes that have been selected to wear the Barbarians shirt for the first time.
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.
Ahead of this landmark first match for the women's team, the Barbarians are clearly hoping that the excitement surrounding this new venture will match the legacy that has been set by the male counterpart.
ANNOUNCEMENT ?
Turn up the sound ?
Sit back ?
Enjoy this video ?
And say hello to the WOMEN'S #Baabaas ?#WRugby #rugby #rugbyunited ? pic.twitter.com/9VMn4xcLvN
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) October 10, 2017
With the first game taking place in Thomand Park, prices start at €15 for adults and €10 for children.
