The Barbarians are getting in touch with their feminine side and will field a women’s team for the first time in a fixture against Munster in Ireland next month.

It is the first of several matches against club, provincial, and international teams planned for the 2017-18 rugby season.

The women’s Barbarians will be coached by England World Cup winner Giselle Mather and play at Thomond Park in Limerick on November 10.

“We’re delighted to open a new chapter in the Barbarian FC’s history with the creation of our women’s team,” Barbarians chairman John Spencer said.

“Its formation is something we’ve been working towards for a number of years and it is a reflection of the excellence of the global women’s game which was showcased so brilliantly at this year’s World Cup in Ireland.

“Our aim is to welcome more talented players into this iconic club to forge new friendships and play with the style and passion for which the Barbarians are famous.”

Players from seven nations have agreed to play against Munster, among them England’s Claire Cripps and Megan Goddard, Emma Jenson of New Zealand and Canada’s Kelly Russell.

The Barbarian FC was founded in 1890 and is an invitational rugby side based in Britain.