News & Features International Scotland Women

Law out of retirement for Barbarians Debut

30 Aug 2024

Scotland cap number 164 Sarah Law announced her retirement from international and club rugby in May of this year.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Sarah Law during a Scotland Women's rugby training session at the Hive Stadium, on September 29, 2023, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

However, this weekend she will take to the pitch in South Africa as she has been selected for the world-famous Barbarians FC who will take on Springbok Women on Saturday 7 September at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium.

Law, who played 53 times for Scotland, said: “I thought I’d already played my last game. When I finished last season, with Sale Sharks, it felt like the perfect send off, I was content with where I’d left the game.

“But when the opportunity came to play for the Barbarians, it wasn’t something that I could say no to.”

She will follow in the footsteps of former Scotland teammates Annabel Sargent, Lauren Harris, Megan Gaffney, Helen Nelson and Rhona Lloyd who have all donned the iconic black and white stripes for the famous invitational side.

She said: “I’m excited to be heading out to South Africa this week. There are some incredible players in the squad and some that are my sporting heroes. To get the chance to play alongside them will be very special. I’m looking forward to enjoying the moments, celebrating what rugby is all about and making one more set of memories as a player.

She will join the 22 other players and the traveling party from the seven other unions; Ireland, England, Wales, USA, New Zealand, Australia and Spain. The programme will be led by Head Coach Linda Itunu of New Zealand.

Law said: “I loved watching the Barbarians when I was growing up and remember watching the men play Scotland at Murrayfield way back in 2002.

“The Barbarians have always had a special identity. Bringing players from different backgrounds and countries together, with a common love of the game, to play free flowing rugby – it’s always been a celebration of what rugby is all about.

“I didn’t think I would ever get the opportunity to be part of that, I feel extremely grateful and very lucky.”