Four current Chiefs Women in Barbarians squad

Four Chiefs Women’s current players will join four former Exeter players for the Barbarians game against Wales.

Black Ferns prop Amy Rule will line up in the front-row alongside Canadian hooker Emily Tuttosi while fly-half Liv McGoverne and centre Alex Tessier are also set to feature in the backline.

Tuttosi said: “I’m very excited to be a part of this Baa-baas tour. Playing with new and old friends from around the globe is a fun opportunity. I am looking forward to a memorable week with a group of class players.”

Rule said: “This will be my first time pulling on the Baa-baas jersey. As a late starter to rugby, I never dreamed I would be in a position to play for the Barbarians this early on in my career. I cannot wait to get cracking!”

Former Chiefs Laura Delgado, Charli Jacoby, Poppy Leitch and Lori Cramer have also been selected in the 23-strong squad as the Barbarians prepare for their fixture on Saturday, June 27.

Exeter Chiefs Women’s U23s lead Leitch said: “This is such an honour and I am so excited to meet up with the squad next week. Not only is it a chance to play at the Allianz Stadium, but also to see former team-mates I loved playing with at Chiefs.”

The women’s Barbarians, coached by Susie Appleby and Sarah Hunter, will play their game at 17:00 at Allianz Stadium after the men play at 14:00.

Barbarian FC Women’s lead Fiona Stockley said: "We are delighted to name a Barbarians squad with over 700 international caps which continues to show the statute and respect that the club holds in the game.

“Players will be coming together from around the world to prepare for the test match against Wales, who will in true Barbarians style spend a week building connections that will allow us to play with flair and passion.

“Across both the men's and women's teams, we are able to represent the club and showcase the very best of top-flight rugby. We know the competition between the Barbarians and Wales will be fierce and will provide great entertainment for all of the supporters joining us at Allianz Stadium for our double header match."

Since its formation in 2017 Barbarians Women has been at the forefront of the game, showcasing the values and spirit of Barbarian FC. The previous outing against Wales (November 2019) saw a 29-15 victory for the Barbarians at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

BARBARIANS WOMEN SQUAD:

Forwards:
Ilaria Arrighetti (back-row, Italy)
Christine Belisle (prop, Loughborough Lightning, Scotland)
Sarah Bonar (lock/back-row, Harlequins, Scotland)
Amelia Buckland Hurry (lock/back-row, Trailfinders Women)
Emily Chancellor (back-row, Sydney University Football Club, Australia)
Bryony Cleall (prop, England)
Laura Delgado Dueñas (prop, Spain)
Charli Jacoby (prop, USA)
Poppy Leitch (lock, England)
Rownita Marston-Mulhearn (lock, Bristol Bears, England)
Carys Phillips (hooker, Harlequins, Wales)
Amy Rule (prop/back-row, New Zealand)
Emily Tuttosi (hooker, Exeter Chiefs, Canada)

Backs:
Lori Cramer (wing/full-back, Australia)
Rachel Lund (centre/wing, Gloucester Hartpury, England)
Caity Mattinson (scrum-half, Scotland)
Jenny Maxwell (scrum-lalf, Leicester Tigers, Scotland)
Liv McGoverne (fly-half, Exeter Chiefs)
Clàudia Peña(centre, Harlequins, Spain))
Celia Quansah (wing, Trailfinders Women)
Alex Tessier (centre, Exeter Chiefs, Canada)
Ruby Tui (wing/full-back, New Zealand)
Lagi Tuima (fly-half/centre, Harlequins, England)