BAA-BAAS CALL SCARLETS PAIR
Ysgol Bro Dinefwr’s first-team squad are pictured after their 13-8 semi-final WSRU Plate win against Olchfa School from Swansea. The Llandeilo school now travel to the WSRU Finals Day at the Principality Stadium on May 1.
Picture: John Davies
stars Jasmine Joyce and Alisha Butchers have earned Barbarians call-ups.
The duo, along with Wales teammate Elinor Snowsill, are set to represent the Barbarians women’s side when one of world rugby’s most famous teams take on the USA on April 26.
The three players will be part of a star-studded outfit which will include international players from nine different countries for the game at Infinity Park, Glendale, Colorado.
Flying wing Joyce and forward Butchers have been selected in the first batch of 19 names announced for the Barbarians side.
Butchers, who won her 25th Wales cap in the 24-5 win over Ireland and was named player of the match, said: “I’m so excited to get the opportunity to play for the Barbarians.
“My family are over the moon and to be able to play alongside Jazz and Elinor is amazing, we’re all super excited.
“I’ve grown up watching the men’s Barbarians matches and never even thought I would get this chance. It just shows the direction the sport is going in.
“I watched the Women’s Barbarians against Munster last year online and have spoken to Tails (Rachel Taylor) and Elen Evans, along with Meg Goddard at Worcester and they’ve said what a brilliant experience it is.
“The whole Wales Women team produced an outstanding performance to end the Six Nations on a high against Ireland.
“From that performance I think any one of the team could have been asked but luckily enough I got the call and it’s definitely something couldn’t say no to.”
Joyce, who scored a stunning individual try against Ireland for her first Six Nations score, added: “To be part of the Barbarians tradition is something special.
“I’ve experienced the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Rugby World Cup and Six Nations and now I get to be a Barbarian, too, which is another huge achievement.
“Four of the squad were part of New Zealand’s World Cup-winning squad so it’s going to be an amazing experience.
“Hopefully our performances as Welsh players will kick on from the Six Nations where we improved during the tournament.”
Barbarians chairman John Spencer said: “The Barbarians launched their women’s team in 2017 to bring together talented players to play with the spirit of enjoyment and entertainment for which the club is famous.
“Taking on international opponents for the first time will be a landmark moment for the team and facing a side ranked five in the world in the USA Women’s Eagles will be a marvellous challenge.
“It is wonderful to see the Barbarians return to the USA for the first time since 1976, when we played club sides on both the east and west coasts.
“That summer tour saw some of rugby’s greatest names — Phil Bennett and JJ Williams among them — involved.
“This month’s team will include women’s players of a similar standing from around the globe.”
IAlisha Butchers in action for Wales against Scotland.