ULSTER Women’s rugby captain Kathryn Dane’s remarkable comeback from a 2022 brain haemorrhage continues with her selection for the prestigious Barbarians Women’s team in their upcoming clash against the Springbok Women. She is the first female Ulster player to be included in a Barbarians squad.
The match, scheduled for Saturday, September 7 at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, will serve as a thrilling precursor to the Rugby Championship match between the Springboks and All Blacks.
Kathryn’s inclusion in the Barbarians squad is particularly poignant given her recent return to rugby after recovery from a brain haemorrhage suffered in 2022. This news comes just after the scrum-half’s return to Ulster this year as skipper for the Women’s Interprovincial Championship. The invitation to play for the iconic invitational club marks a significant milestone in her return to rugby and a testament to her resilience and determination.
Linda Itunu, a Rugby World Cup-winning Black Fern, has been appointed as Head Coach, while former Spanish international Patricia García Rodriguez will serve as Assistant Coach.
The match against the Springbok Women promises to be a highly competitive affair, building on the success of their previous encounter in 2021, which saw the Barbarians emerge victorious with a 60-5 win.
John Spencer, President of Barbarian F.C., expressed his excitement about the upcoming fixture, saying “We are delighted to be playing Springbok Women in Cape Town once again. These fixtures exemplify the fiercely-held values of our club.”
Kathryn will be travelling to Cape Town this week to join the training camp.
An Ulster Rugby spokesperson said: “We wish Kat the best of luck and are so proud of her amazing achievement.”
Barbarian Women Squad
Forwards:
- Kathryn Buggy (Ireland)
- Rochelle Clarke (England)
- Ciara Cooney (Ireland)
- Cerys Hale (Wales)
- Laura Keates (England)
- Joanna Kitlinski (USA)
- Rownita Marston-Mulhearn (England)
- Charmaine McMenamin (New Zealand)
- Abi Meyrick (Wales)
- Claire Molloy (Ireland)
- Sera Naiqama (Australia)
- Alycia Washington (USA)
Backs
- Rachael Burford (England)
- Kendra Cocksedge (New Zealand)
- Kathryn Dane (Ireland)
- Cheta Emba (USA)
- Carla Hohepa (New Zealand)
- Sarah Law (Scotland)
- Rachel Lund (England)
- Celia Quansah (England)
- Amber Reed (England)
- Emily Scott (England)
- Lydia Thompson (England)
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Linda Itunu (New Zealand)
- Assistant Coach: Patricia Garcia Rodriguez (Spain)
- Barbarian Women Director: Fiona Stockley (England)
- Team Manager: Anita Velinova (Finland)
