Women: Rachel Taylor announced as Barbarians coach

She reunites with Worcester Warriors DOR Jo Yapp for an ‘historic’ male-female double header at Twickenham.

Rachel Taylor has been named as Barbarian Women’s coach for the invitational side’s Killik Cup fixture against South Africa this November.

Rachel has already played, captained and coached for the Barbarians.

“I’m totally chuffed to be asked to return,” she said.

“I hold the club very dear to me and to be reunited with Jo Yapp again is super exciting.”

In a first-ever Twickenham double header, the women’s match will immediately follow the men’s against Samoa.

“It’s going to be a brilliant day out for sports fans with some quality rugby on show,” said women’s team coordinator Fiona Stockley.

The match marks Taylor’s second time combining with Jo Yapp to coach the side, having already beaten Wales 15-29 at the Principality Stadium last year.

Taylor captained and coached for Wales women before joining the Sharks’ coaching setup ahead of the 2021-22 Allianz Premier 15s season.

Yapp meanwhile joined former club Worcester Warriors as skills coach in 2019 with 70 England caps under her belt, and was promoted to DOR the same year.

“It is such a privilege to coach the Barbarians again,” said Yapp.

“I really enjoyed the experience last time and coaching alongside Rachel Taylor was a real honour.”

Barbarian Women face Springbok Women’s XV at 5.15pm on Saturday 27 November, directly after the men at 2.30pm.

Tickets for the double header include the price of both matches, and cost from £35 for adults and £15 for children.

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