The Barbarians, one of the most famous invitational teams in sport have announced the creation of a women's team.
Like their male counterparts, the team will pick players from the northern and southern hempishere to come together in a bid to beat some of the world's best teams.
Their historic debut will take place in Ireland next month. The team will face Munster in Thomond Park on November 10th. The game will precede the men's game between the Baa-Baas and Tonga in the same venue.
Former Ireland captain Fiona Coghlan has been named in the first squad for the game against Munster. She will be joined by players from England, Scotland, Wales, France, New Zealand and Canada.
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
World Rugby are supporting the idea, following on from the success of this year's World Cup in Dublin and Belfast. Katie Sadleir, the general manager of World Rugby's women's division has said the formation of the team, can only be good for the game.
It’s an incredibly exciting development in international rugby to see the first women’s Barbarians team being formed. The talented players that have been recruited from around the world for this team provide an excellent opportunity to deliver more inspirational rugby maintaining the momentum created during the recent World Cup in Ireland.
Delighted to selected for the first @Barbarian_FC Women's squad. Thanks to all who made this happen @fionastockley22 https://t.co/O8fUPBit8Q
— Fiona Coghlan (@CoghlanFiona) October 10, 2017
