Women’s British and Irish Lions team to commence touring in New Zealand

The British and Irish Lions rugby union team has announced that its first-ever women’s tour will see it tour New Zealand in September 2027.

Welcoming the tour, which will feature three Test matches against New Zealand, as well as pre-Test fixtures, New Zealand, Sport and Recreation Minister, Chris Bishop advised “we’ve seen from the recent women’s world cups that Kiwis love a chance to see world-class teams competing up close in our own back yard.

“This is going to be a historic moment for rugby, and I can’t wait to see the very first women’s Lions team take on our world champion Black Ferns. This tour is going to be epic."

The New Zealand Government has earmarked $3.9 million from its Major Events Fund to support the series while Royal London and Howden will be the team’s the principal partners.

With a feasibility study funded by Royal London having explored all key aspects of creating a women’s tour, with a consultation process exploring brand, commercial, financial, spectator, logistical and scheduling considerations, New Zealand emerged as the preferred destination.

The study also found that 2027 would be the optimum time for the its to be staged.

Ben Calveley, chief executive of the Lions, said: “Supporting the growth of the women’s game is a

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Robinson noted “when the opportunity arose to be part of history and have the honour 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 men’s Lions team will tour Australia in 2025. The next men's Rugby World Cup is also being staged in 2027.

Image: The Launch of The British & Irish Lions Women in London yesterday with (from left) former players Shaunagh Brown, Megan Gaffney, Elinor Snowsill and Niamh Briggs. Credit: Irish Rugby/INPHO/Billy Stickland.