Nora Stapleton named on first-ever Women’s Barbarians squad

Nora Stapleton is one of seven Irish players named in the first ever Women’s Barbarians squad.

The Fahan woman retired from international rugby after 50 Irish caps in August, making her final appearance in the Women’s Rugby World Cup loss to Wales in Belfast.

But the 34-year-old out-half is one of seven Irish players on a 23-strong Barbarians panel that will take on Munster at Thomond Park on November 10.

Coached by England World Cup winner Giselle Mather, the squad includes Stapleton’s fellow Irishwomen Fiona Coghlan, Tania Rosser, Ailis Egan, Maz Reilly, Jackie Shiels and Edel McMahon.

Shiels’ mother is from Donegal town, continuing the Donegal links to the historic Barbarians squad.