Barbarians line up second game

Giselle Mather will take charge of the team once again for the clash at Aldershot Military Stadium on Saturday, March 17 (15:00).Mather is hoping to choose from up-and-coming players from the Tyrrell’s Premier 15 clubs as well as some of the veterans who helped the Barbarians launch their women’s programme with a win against Munster last November.The game comes on the final weekend of the women's 6 Nations which rules out a raft of players."We’re looking predominantly at Tyrrell’s Premier 15 players who fit the bill when we’re putting together another group of players and there will be some continuity from the previous squad too,” said Mather."It’s an opportunity to build on what the Barbarians started in Ireland and bring another group together very quickly. Edel McMahon, who was our uncapped player against Munster, made her debut for Ireland last weekend and I’m sure being part of the Barbarians helped her develop."There will be many others who want to follow in her footsteps because the Barbarians can be a stepping stone between club and international rugby. At the same time there will be experienced players showing them the way so from my own club I’ll be putting forward someone like Claire Purdy, who’s a wise head and a fabulous leader.”The Barbarians fielded a cosmopolitan side with seven different nationalities represented as they opened their account at Thomond Park with a 19-0 victory with a penalty try and touchdowns from Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere & Ireland) and Georgina Roberts (Darlington MP), with one converted by Megan Goddard (Gloucester Hartpury & England)."We created something really special in Ireland and we’re developing our own part of the Barbarians tradition,” added Mather, who emphasised the magic associated with the club by wielding a Harry Potter wand at training sessions."I hope that in 30 years time the Barbarians will still be doing these things and I know there’s a tremendous buzz among the players who want to be a part of it. The Army are preparing for huge games against the Navy and the RAF so we’re part of a really important point in their season. They’ve already played Germany and Holland this season, and I know that playing the Barbarians is something they’re really excited about.”