World Cup winner Cleall headlines 700-cap Barbarians Women squad to face Wales

Barbarians Women have named a 700-cap squad for their Test match against Wales at Allianz Stadium on Saturday 27 June, with England and World Cup winner Bryony Cleall among the forwards selected for the fixture.

The squad, assembled by head coach Susie Appleby and captain Sarah Hunter, draws players from across the globe, including representatives from England, Wales, Scotland, Italy, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Spain. Former England and Great Britain sevens player Celia Quansah and lock Amelia Buckland Hurry have both been released from Trailfinders Women to join the camp, while Gloucester Hartpury back Rachel Lund and ex-England Red Roses back-row Rownita Marston-Mulhearn complete the selection.

The Barbarians last faced Wales in 2019, claiming a 29-15 victory at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The upcoming match forms part of a doubleheader alongside the men’s fixture.

Fiona Stockley, Barbarian F.C Women’s lead, said the depth of the squad reflected the club’s standing in the international game. “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,” she said.

“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 on the 27th of June.”

Stockley added that the doubleheader represented an opportunity to showcase top-flight rugby across both the men’s and women’s games. “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.”

Barbarians Women Squad

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