Barbarians kick-off time is boost for Red Roses
Twickenham is to stage the inaugural match between England Women and their Barbarians counterparts as part of a double-header with the men’s fixture on June 2.
The decision by the Rugby Football Union and the Barbarians to not only stage the matches back to back but to have the Red Roses kick off first is seen as a major breakthrough for the women’s game.
This will be the first time England Women have played a match at Twickenham before the men and realises long-held ambitions. There have been concerns in the past over fans not staying to watch after the men’s game has finished.
Barbarians Women launched in October 2017 and won their first fixture against Munster Women the following month. They have also beaten the Army, but England will be the first international side they have faced. Coaches for the Barbarians are to be confirmed.
Giselle Mather, the Wasps Ladies head coach, who was the first woman to become an RFU levelfour qualified coach and worked in London Irish’s academy, nurturing talents such as Anthony Watson, was the coach for the Barbarians’ first two fixtures.
John Spencer, the Barbarians chairman, welcomed the fixture. “The Barbarians successfully launched its women’s team in 2017 to bring together talented individuals and create a team that plays with a unique spirit of adventure and enjoyment,” he said.
“For them to face an international side is a great opportunity for the club to have two teams taking on England at Twickenham and means we can showcase all that is good about the game.”
Simon Middleton, the England Women head coach, said: “Connecting both the men’s and women’s Barbarians fixtures at Twickenham Stadium is a great concept and will truly bring to life the women’s Barbarians.”
The Daily Telegraph understands that Danielle Waterman, the former England full-back and 2014 World Cup winner, will be involved in the Barbarians squad.
Although Waterman has officially retired from international duty, the 34-year-old continued her excellent form from her final Test season into the Premier 15s with Wasps.
She will be hoping to emulate Chris Ashton, who scored a hattrick against England for the Barbarians in their 63-45 win last May.