The inaugural Women’s British & Irish Lions tour will take place in New Zealand in September 2027, featuring a three-Test series against the Black Ferns. According to the official British & Irish Lions announcement, the tour will span four weeks, marking a historic expansion of the Lions brand into the women’s game after 136 years of men’s-only touring history.
When is the 2027 Women’s Lions tour?
The tour is scheduled to run from September 4 to September 25, 2027. The Lions will play five matches in total, including three Test matches against New Zealand’s national team, the Black Ferns. The schedule is designed to mirror the intensity of the traditional men’s tours, with fixtures held across major venues in New Zealand.
Confirmed 2027 Tour Fixtures:
- September 4: Lions vs. Black Ferns, Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei
- September 11: Lions vs. Black Ferns, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
- September 14: Lions vs. Invitational XV, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
- September 18: Lions vs. Black Ferns, Sky Stadium, Wellington
- September 25: Lions vs. Black Ferns, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
Who is leading the Lions coaching staff?
Jo Yapp was appointed as the inaugural head coach for the Women’s British & Irish Lions in May 2026. A former England international and experienced coach, Yapp transitioned into the role while maintaining her commitments to the England Rugby pathways program. According to Rugby World, Yapp has actively consulted with Andy Farrell, the head coach for the 2025 men’s Lions tour, to establish a framework for staff recruitment and team culture. Yapp is expected to finalize her full coaching staff in early 2027.
How will the squad be selected?
Selection will be based on performance across the four home nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. While the England "Red Roses" have dominated international rankings, including a record-breaking streak of consecutive wins, Lions officials have emphasized that the squad is open to talent from all four unions. Players like Ireland’s Aoife Wafer, Wales’ Kelsey Jones, and Scotland’s Rachel Malcolm are frequently cited by analysts as potential candidates for the inaugural touring party. The official squad announcement date remains unconfirmed, though it is expected to follow the conclusion of the 2027 Six Nations Championship.
Why is this tour significant for women’s rugby?
This tour establishes a permanent four-year cycle for the women’s team, aligning it with the long-standing tradition of the men’s Lions. While there was internal discussion regarding potential host nations—including France, where women’s rugby attendance has seen significant growth—organizers selected New Zealand to provide the most competitive debut environment. This move represents a strategic commitment to the global professionalization of the women’s game, supported by the British & Irish Lions board, including Chair Ieuan Evans and the Lions Women’s Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the tour be televised?
As of early 2025, official broadcast partners for the 2027 tour have not been confirmed by the British & Irish Lions.
Is this a one-off event?
No. The Lions have confirmed that the women’s tour will become a permanent fixture, operating on a four-year cycle similar to the men’s team.
How does this compare to the men’s tour?
The men’s Lions have toured since 1888, with the "Lions" moniker officially adopted in 1950. The women’s team is now adopting this legacy, with the 2027 tour serving as the first official chapter in a new era of cross-hemisphere competition.
Worth a look