Carys Phillips becomes first daughter to follow father into Barbarians history

Carys Phillips has etched her name into Barbarians history after being selected to start at hooker against Wales at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, becoming one half of the first father-daughter combination ever to represent the world-famous invitational side. Her father, Rowland Phillips, previously wore the iconic black-and-white jersey, and also coached his daughter during her time as Wales captain.

The 87-cap hooker, 33, has had a difficult recent spell with Wales. She was included in Sean Lynn’s squad for the Guinness Women’s Six Nations earlier this year but did not feature in any of the team’s five defeats. Her most recent cap came in Wales’ Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 loss to Fiji.

Phillips takes her place in a starting pack that collectively boasts 228 caps. She is joined by props Laura Delgado Dueñas and Christine Belisle, with former England lock Poppy Leitch and Scotland’s Sarah Bonar forming the second row. Black Ferns prop Amy Rule starts in the back row alongside captain Emily Chancellor of Australia and Bristol Bears’ Rownita Marston-Mulhearn.

The backs carry considerable star power. 2021 Rugby World Cup winner Ruby Tui starts on the wing alongside Wallaroos full-back Lori Cramer and Gloucester Hartpury’s all-time appearance record holder Rachel Lund. International captains Alex Tessier of Canada and Claudia Pena of Spain combine in the centres, with retired Scotland scrum-half Caity Mattinson partnering Exeter Chiefs fly-half Liv McGoverne at half-back.

Saturday’s fixture will also serve as a farewell for several players. Delgado Dueñas, Belisle, and Lund will all retire at full-time, while Celia Quansah — a Great Britain and England sevens international and veteran of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics — has also confirmed she is calling time on her career.

Barbarians head coach Susie Appleby paid tribute to the retiring players and the squad as a whole. “Representing the Barbarians is a huge honour and one all of the girls are extremely deserving of,” she said. “A huge congratulations to the girls who will be making their final appearance before retiring. They have given so much to the game and we hope they enjoy what should be an incredible occasion at Allianz Stadium.”