The USA Women’s National Team XVs will play their first match of 2020 against Barbarian F.C. on Sunday, May 3 at Torero Stadium in San Diego. 

As a doubleheader with the San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby, the USA women and Barbarians will kick off at 12 PM with the Legion facing Austin Gilgronis at 3 PM. Tickets are on sale now here>> with both matches available for one price. Broadcast information will be announced closer to date. 

Confirmation of the USA-Barbarians match comes after a successful month for Be The Impact and the XV Foundation, where the Women’s XVs program raised enough money to host the event in conjunction with April and May camps. Donations through the month of February met a $15,000 match by USA Rugby Board Member and Hall of Famer Phaidra Knight; reaching the first of five philanthropic goals for the program in 2020. 

The Eagles and Barbarians last met in April of 2019 for a dramatic contest which served as the first ever meeting between a USA National Team and Barbarians side (men or women). Down by 17 points, the United States staged an incredible comeback to steal the lead with one minute to go; only to fall 33-34 on the final possession to a late Barbarians try. 

Director of Women’s High Performance Emilie Bydwell said: “We are thrilled to host the Barbarians for the second year in a row alongside our April High Performance Camp.  This event is a critical platform in our team's preparation for the upcoming summer competition; and after an extremely competitive game last year, we’re excited for a rematch.  

“We look forward to further collaboration with San Diego Legion to maximize the opportunity that this historical game presents; growing the profile of Women's Rugby in Southern California.  We are also extremely grateful for the community of donors who supported this event through the XV Foundation because without them, our players would not have this opportunity.”

“I’m honored to be asked to coach the Barbarians Women again," said Barbarians Head Coach Jo Yapp. "It was great coaching alongside Rachel when we played against Wales last year and it will be fun to work with her on the Barbarians again. USA Eagles are a strong team in the women’s game and will present a challenge to our squad. We know we’ll have to bring a strong line-up, and I’m looking forward to confirming new Barbarians and familiar faces in the build-up to the tour.”