Itunu to lead Baabaas women

Black Ferns legend Linda Itunu will achieve a slice of history when she captains the Barbarians women’s side in its first international against the USA in Denver today.

Itunu, who retired from the Black Ferns at the end of last year’s tour to France, will lead a Baabaas side coached by former New Zealand great Anna Richards and including three other Kiwis in the match-day lineup. Halfback Emma Jensen, tighthead prop Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox and hooker Fiao’o Fa’amausili will also line up in the famous black and white hooped jerseys.

Itunu, a three-time World Cup winner, will lead an experienced lineup that includes not only her national captain Fa’amausili, but also other international stars in the form of England legend Rochelle Clark, Wales first five-eighth Elinor Snowsill and Scotland centre Helen Nelson.

The Baabaas squad also includes two former USA Eagles players in lock Carmen Farmer and first five-eighth Hannah Stolba.

Itunu is confident the Barbarians – with 697 international appearances among them – will be more than competitive against the strong USA side.

‘‘I’m so very honoured to be captain amongst such great players. It’s a real privilege,’’ she said.

‘‘I’ve played against these girls and being able to be on the same side as them means I’m the lucky one – I don’t have to tackle them any more, Players like Rocky Clark and [Ireland’s] Paula Fitzpatrick are beasts.

‘‘The USA are a tough side, I know that from playing them last year, and it’ll be an exciting game. But these Barbarians will bring some tricks.’’

After their historic international, Richards’ Barbarians lineup will head to Twickenham to meet the grand slam-winning England side on June 2.