Former Scotland Women trio named in Barbarians squad to face Wales

The trio, who all announced their international retirements within the last 12 months after earning an impressive 119 caps between them, have been called up for the match on Saturday 27 June, which will see the men’s squad also face Wales the same afternoon in a double-header at England’s Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

Scrum-half Mattinson, who was part of the U21s coaching staff for the Six Nations Women’s Series this year, played 37 times for Scotland, including at two World Cups, three Six Nations campaigns, at the title-winning WXV in 2023 and at the 2024 edition of the tournament.

A key figure during her time with Scotland, scrum-half Maxwell went on to win 40 caps for Scotland after making her debut against France in 2015 and played in multiple Six Nations championships.

The Canadian-born Belisle, a versatile forward who enjoyed her greatest performances in a Scotland jersey at tighthead prop, made 42 appearances from 2019 onwards, and represented Scotland at two World Cups, multiple Six Nations campaigns and was also part of the 2023 WXV2 winning squad.

The three former Scotland Women internationals are among the latest group of international talent from England, Wales, Spain, Italy, Australia and the United States who join New Zealand star Ruby Tui – the first call-up – as part of the Baa-baas squad.

The remaining members of the Barbarians Women squad will be confirmed next week after the conclusion of the PWR semi-finals.

This year’s Scottish contingent follow in the footsteps of fellow Scots Rhona Llloyd, Helen Nelson, Sarah Law, Megan Gaffney, Lauren Harries, Annabel Sergeant, Tracey Balmer and Susie Brown, and Scottish Rugby centurion Donna Kennedy, who has previously coached the Barbarians.