Amanda Thornborough named in Barbarians squad

Canada will now have two representatives in the historic first ever Women’s Barbarians match to be played at Thomond Park on November 10. Amanda Thornborough has been named in the squad to play Munster, joining World Cup teammate Kelly Russell in a squad boasting more than 1000 international caps among a host of star names.

A native of Brandon, Manitoba, the hard-running midfielder currently plays for Westshore Valkyries in Victoria, BC, having previously been a two-time national champion at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Thornborough will be part of a backs division headlined by former New Zealand Black Ferns scrumhalf Emma Jensen and France flyhalf Christelle Le Duff.

The forwards boast even more experience with Russell one of seven players over the 50-cap plateau. England centurion Amy Garnett will pack down alongside former Ireland prop Fiona Coghlan with World Cup star Lénaïg Corson of France named in the second row. Galwegians flanker Edem McMahon is the traditional uncapped player included.

FORWARDS
Tracy Balmer (Worcester & Scotland), Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemians & Ireland), Claire Cripps (Wasps & England), Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere & Ireland), Amy Garnett (Saracens & England), Lénaïg Corson (Stade Rennais & France), Becky Essex (Richmond & England), Marie Reilly (Old Belvedere & Ireland), Susie Brown (Richmond & Scotland), Edel McMahon (Galwegians), Kelly Russell (Toronto Nomads & Canada), Rachel Taylor (Caernarfon & Wales)

BACKS
Emma Jensen (College Rifles & New Zealand), Tania Rosser (Blackrock & Ireland), Christelle Le Duff (Villonguet & France), Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere & Ireland), Megan Goddard (Gloucester-Hartpury & England), Vicki Jackson (Wasps & England), Amanda Thornborough (Westshore & Canada), Elen Evans (Caernarfon & Wales), Camille Grassineau (Stade Français & France), Georgina Roberts (Darlington Mowden Park & England), Jackie Shiels (Old Belvedere & Ireland)