Former Scotland International Megan Gaffney Excited to Play for Barbarian Women
Key Highlights :
As one of the most iconic invitational sides, the Barbarian Women's team brings together some of the best rugby players from around the world to play a few matches each year. With the freedom to play attacking, adventurous rugby without the pressure of having to win, it has become an exciting and unique experience for those who have the opportunity to join.
Former Scotland international Megan Gaffney recently shared her excitement at being selected for the team, describing it as “really special”. Gaffney, who stepped away from international rugby earlier this year, said: “It is not something many people get to do. When I retired from international rugby, I did not know if I would play at that level. To get this opportunity to have a go – and it is just fun – is why I play rugby at the end of the day. To be able to go and do that will be really exciting.”
The women’s squad is made up of 24 players from eight nations and with 631 caps between them. Rugby World Cup winners as well as Premier 15s champions will be coached by Premier 15s-winning Gloucester-Hartpury head coach Sean Lynn, who will prepare the team for the fixtures against South Africa and Munster.
The squad travel to Cape Town in South Africa for the first fixture next Saturday (September 23). Coincidentally, the last Barbarian Women’s fixture was against the same opponents – on that occasion, the Baa-Baas came out 60-5 winners at Twickenham. From there, they head to Ireland to take on Munster at Thomond Park on September 30.
Gaffney, of North Berwick, called time on her Scotland career in February following the Rugby World Cup. She told that playing at both the Rugby World Cup and the Commonwealth Games meant that she had “done everything that I wanted to do”.
Fiona Stockley, Barbarian Women team founder and Barbarian Committee member, was looking forward to the double header. She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to get Barbarian Women back on the road. Two years on from our historic match at Twickenham against South Africa Women’s XV, it will be very exciting to go down to Cape Town for the return fixture – a city with so much passion for our game. And then onto Munster, which holds a special place in my heart as the venue for the first ever Barbarian Women’s match.”
It is clear that Megan Gaffney is looking forward to this unique opportunity to play for the Barbarian Women's team. With a squad full of experienced players and a passionate coach, the team is sure to put on a great show of rugby. Any chance you would please retweet helps us grow our amazing team with more amazing players.
