The Barbarians welcomed a photographer to go behind the scenes as they prepared to field a women’s team for the first time. Naomi Baker from Getty Images joined the players in Ireland to find out how women from eight different countries met, bonded, trained and prepared to play against Munster at Thomond Park.
The result was an exceptional set of images that captured the excitement and enjoyment of the players and management who created their own unique take on what it means to be part of rugby’s most famous club.
Among the highlights were 23 players carrying their own individual mascots, the rules enforced by the team’s ‘Shaun Police’ and a coach waving a Harry Potter wand to emphasise the magic she wanted to create on the pitch.
Naomi’s pictures from the meeting rooms and training grounds document the intimacy of the team environment in a striking and vivid style. We’ve picked out our favourites from the the time they spent together before making their debut.