British and Irish Lions: Tests on first women’s tour to New Zealand will be played in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

The British and Irish Lions will play three Tests in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on their landmark first women’s tour to New Zealand.

The Lions will open their tour with a warm-up match against a Black Ferns XV at the Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei on 4 September in 2027.

Auckland’s Go Media Stadium will then host the first Test on 11 September, with the city’s iconic Eden Park venue missing out as expected.

Eden Park is considered New Zealand rugby’s spiritual home and the country’s largest stadium.

The Lions will play an Invitational XV in a midweek match at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato on 14 September before the second Test at Wellington’s Sky Stadium four days later.

Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium hosts the final Test on 25 September.

British and Irish Lions chief executive Ben Calveley said the tour will be a “hugely significant milestone” which will “create something truly special for the women’s game”.

While travelling fans have traditionally followed the Lions to the southern hemisphere, it is unknown how many will make the trip to follow the women’s team.

The competitive balance of the series is also a potential concern.

After winning six of the previous seven tournaments, New Zealand failed to make the final of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, losing to Canada in the semi-finals.

World champions England, who are well clear at the top of the world rankings, have won the past seven Six Nations titles and have beaten New Zealand in their past three meetings, including a 33-12 win at the Go Media Stadium two years ago.

New Zealand Rugby acting chief executive Steve Lancaster said the visit of the Lions promises to be “something truly special”.

“Starting in the north and finishing in the south was a deliberate decision to make sure as many parts of the country can get involved in this incredible event as possible,” he said.

“Being in iconic New Zealand venues and seeing international rugby of this calibre is going to make this an unmissable experience, and I’d encourage fans to start making plans to be part of this inaugural tour.”