Barbarian FC announces formidable coaching line-up for Springbok Women’s XV clash

With just under two months to go until the historic Killik Cup Double Header, Barbarian FC have announced that coaches Jo Yapp and Rachel Taylor will join forces once again as the Barbarian Women prepare to face Springbok Women’s XV.

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Yapp and Taylor reprise their coaching roles with Barbarian Women following the team’s win over Wales in their last fixture in November 2019.

Yapp brings with her a wealth of coaching and playing knowledge after an international playing career, making 70 appearances for England including three successive Women’s Rugby World Cups between 1998 and 2006, in which she captained the side.  

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She began her coaching career with the University of Exeter and also counts England Women U20s amongst her experience. She joined her former club, Worcester Warriors Women, as skills coach in 2019 before being promoted to Director of Rugby of the Allianz Premier 15s side in the same year.

Former Wales captain Taylor brings similar experience, moving from national skills coach with the Wales women’s team to join Sale Sharks ahead of the new Allianz Premier 15s season as women’s performance coach.

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Looking ahead to the November fixture against Springbok Women’s XV, Yapp said: “It is such a privilege to coach the Barbarians again. I really enjoyed the experience last time, to coach such talented players alongside Rachel Taylor was a real honour.

“South Africa are an extremely proud rugby nation. Under the guidance of Lynne Cantwell, the new high performance manager, I am sure they will continue to go from strength to strength. I know they will be a challenging opposition and it will be an exciting contest.”

Barbarian FC President John Spencer commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Jo and Rachel back to coach Barbarian Women this November. It will be an historic day as the Barbarians host our first-ever double header as the home team at Twickenham and I know the Barbarians’ trademark style of passion, skill and flair will be out in full force as the men’s team take on Samoa and the women play Springbok Women’s XV.”

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The dynamic duo formed an impressive alliance alongside Barbarian’s Women’s Team Coordinator Fiona Stockley to bring together a team of international stars in November 2019, going on to beat Wales 29-15 at the Principality Stadium.

Stockley added: “It’s wonderful to reunite Jo and Tayls. Meeting for the first time when we brought them together for our match against Wales last November, they formed an incredible coaching team and established a thoroughly professional – and enjoyable – Barbarian camp. I’m very much looking forward to working with them to create another squad of exciting international names to play Springbok Women’s XV at Twickenham.

“It’s going to be a brilliant day out for sports fans with some star quality rugby on show.”

The historic double header at Twickenham will offer up a day of high-octane international rugby, with stars from around the globe representing both the men and women’s teams. 

Barbarian Women will take on Springbok Women’s XV following the men’s match at 17:15.

The ticket prices includes both matches and are selling fast.

A big crowd is expected so secure your seats early and be part of the action from £35 for adults and £15 for children (booking fees apply) at www.ticketmaster.co.uk/barbarians.

Hospitality packages are available to purchase from £119 per person via www.twickenhamstadium.com