Four time New Zealand World Cup champion Anna Richards will take charge of the women's Barbarians as they embark on two historic international outings this year.
Richards, a World Rugby hall of fame inductee after playing 49 tests for the Black Ferns from 1990-2010, represented the Nomads RFC prior to the formation of the women's Barbarians last year.
Following their debut matches against Munster at Thomond Park and the British Army late last year, the Barbarians will now play their first internationals against the USA women's Eagles in Denver next month, and then face dominant grand slam champions England at Twickenham on June 2.
Richards recently returned to New Zealand after four years coaching the Hong Kong women's team. She also spent two-and-a-half months coaching in Japan, and has now relocated after assuming a player development role with the Auckland Rugby Union. She may also yet help out the Auckland Storm this season.
Speaking to the Herald, Richards revealed four New Zealand players – flanker Linda Itunu, esteemed Black Ferns captain Fiao'o Faamausili, prop Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox and halfback Emma Jensen – have been selected in the squad that also features talent from the UK, Australia, Sweden, Canada and America.