British and Irish Lions first women’s Tour
New Zealand in 2027
The first women’s tour by the British and Irish Lions has been announced. A team will be sent to New Zealand for a three-Test series in 2027. The current world champions are New Zealand, but England, who are likely to supply most of the touring party, are ranked first globally, with the Black Ferns in second place. New Zealand has won the previous two World Cup finals, defeating England 41-32 in Belfast in 2017 and then 34-31 in Auckland in November 2022.
The start of an exciting new chapter 🙌
A Lions Women’s team 🦁🇳🇿
See you in 2027, @blackferns 👋#Lions2027 @RoyalLondon #Howden pic.twitter.com/3HkakyS4Po
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 16, 2024
The inaugural Test match series will take place in September 2027 during the women’s global competition window and will not overlap with the men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
Ben Calveley, CEO of British & Irish Lions, said: “Supporting the growth of the women’s game is a key strategic priority for The British & Irish Lions as it is for each of our Unions. Significant effort has gone into exploring the concept of a Lions Women’s Tour and great credit needs to go to the members of our steering committee, our board, and our staff. In particular, I want to recognize the collaboration of our four Unions and thank them for their continued support and the level of commitment they have shown throughout this journey. I would also like to thank World Rugby for the reforms to regulation 9 which makes this Tour possible in 2027. We are also very grateful to all the clubs as well as wider stakeholders who have all been very supportive and accommodating during this process. We look forward to collaborating further with all stakeholders over the coming months to finalize plans for this historic Tour.”
England’s Shaunagh Brown, Scot Megan Gaffney, Wales’ Elinor Snowsill, and Niamh Briggs of Ireland helped launch the Lions’ women’s team
“Playing three Test matches against the current world champions, the Black Ferns in New Zealand in front of thousands of fans represents the ultimate challenge and makes for a fantastic sporting spectacle.
“We look forward to working with all our stakeholders including New Zealand Rugby to finalise an exciting inaugural Tour.”
A historic day for the Lions as we introduce….
🦁 A Lions Women’s team
🇳🇿 Playing the @BlackFerns in 2027 in New Zealand
🤝 @RoyalLondon as our Founding Partner
🙌 #Howden as our Series Title PartnerClick the video to find out more! 👇#Lions2027
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 16, 2024
Mark Robinson, New Zealand Rugby CEO added: “When the opportunity arose to be part of history and have the honor of hosting the inaugural British & Irish Lions Women’s Tour, we knew we wanted to be part of it. Women’s rugby is growing at pace in New Zealand and following the success of the Rugby World Cup in 2022, we know the excitement world-class competition can generate. There will be anticipation around the country about the prospect of hosting the Lions and we look forward to announcing venues and match schedules in the future. The Lions and New Zealand have a long and storied history in the men’s game, and we cannot wait to help write a new chapter in the rivalry – this time between the Lions Women and the Black Ferns.”
The next men’s Lions tour is to Australia in 2025 with Andy Farrell announced as head coach.