England Women to play Barbarians in June in historic double-header with the men’s Quilter Cup

England Women will play an historic first match against the Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday 2 June.

The game will take place on a rugby-packed day at the home of England Rugby, with an England men’s XV also playing the Barbarians in the Quilter Cup, alongside the Gill Burns and Bill Beaumont Division 1 Finals.

The women’s Barbarians launched in October 2017 and made winning debuts against both Munster and the Army in the 2017/18 season. The game will act as preparation ahead of the Red Roses summer tour in July.

England Women head coach Simon Middleton said: “Connecting both the men’s and women’s Barbarians fixtures at Twickenham Stadium is a great concept and will truly bring to life the women’s Barbarians.

“It provides us with an excellent opportunity to help us prepare for this year’s summer tour later that month.” 

Barbarian FC Chairman John Spencer added: “The Barbarians successfully launched its women’s team in 2017 to bring together talented individuals and create a team that plays with a unique spirit of adventure and enjoyment. For them to face an international side is a great opportunity for the club to have two teams taking on England at Twickenham and means we can showcase all that is good about the game.”

The Quilter Cup sees an England XV meet the Barbarians for the 18th time in what will be another hotly-contested fixture.

Jim Mallinder will assume the role of head coach for this match, with Eddie Jones overseeing the squad. The Quilter Cup will offer some players a final chance to make a case for selection for Japan.