By Canadian Press

Canada’s Russell, Paquin named to Barbarians’ women’s all-star rugby squad

Nov 22, 2021 | 11:03 AM

Canadian internationals Laura Russell and Karen Paquin have been named to the Barbarians world all-star squad for a Nov. 27 game against the Springbok Women’s XV.

The Killik Cup doubleheader at Twickenham also features the men’s Barbarians against Samoa.

Russell follows the footsteps of her sister Kelly Russell, who took part in the women’s Barbarians inaugural match in November 2017. Paquin has represented Canada in both 15s and sevens.

Both Paquin and Laura Russell were part of fourth-ranked Canada’s November tour that produced a pair of wins over the sixth-ranked U.S., a victory over No. 11 Wales and a loss to top-ranked England.

The Barbarians, an invitational all-star side known for its free-flowing style of rugby, date back to 1890. Once invited, a player becomes a life member of the famous club.

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Other Canadians to have played for the Barbarians include World Rugby Hall of Famers Al Charron and Gareth Rees as well as Tyler Ardron, Mark Wyatt, David Lougheed, Glen Ennis, Rod Snow, James Pritchard, Jason Marshall, Sean Duke and Kevin Tkachuk.

In 2019, Ardron captained the Barbarians.

In the early 1960s, the Barbarians asked B.C.’s Douglas (Buzz) Moore to play against Canada while on tour in Britain. He declined, leading the Canadians to a 3-3 tie against the all-stars. The Barbarians made him an “honorary Barbarian.”

The women’s Barbarians roster also features players from England, France, Ireland, New Zealand , Scotland, Spain, the U.S. and Wales.

Barbarians

Rochelle Clark, England, Saracens; Hope Rogers, U.S., Life West; Simi Pam, England, Bristol Bears; Lindsay Peet, Ireland, Railway Union; Laura Russell, Canada, Toronto Nomads; Isabelle Rico Vaquez, Spain, Olimpico De Pozuelo Madrid; Alycia Washington, U.S., Worcester Warriors; Lenaige Corson, France, Stade Rennais Rugby; Sonia Green, England, Saracens; Anna Caplice, Ireland, Gloucester Hartpury; Beth Dainton, Wales, Harlequins; Ciara Griffin, Ireland, UL Bohemians; Karen Paquin, Canada, Stade Bordelais; Natasha Hunt, England, Gloucester Hartpury; Sammy Wong, New Zealand, Wasps; Katy Daley-McLean, England, Sale Sharks; Morgane Peyronnet, France, Montpellier Herault Rugby; Sene Naoupu, Ireland, Leinster; Jenny Murphy, Ireland, Old Belvedere RFC; Rhona Lloyd, Scotland, Les Lionnes Du Stade Bordelais; Sarah Levy, U.S., New York Rugby Club; Katie Mason, England, Wasps; Bulou Mataitoga, U.S., Berkeley All Blues.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2021.

The Canadian Press