The British & Irish Lions have formally confirmed their inaugural Women\u2019s Tour \u2014 and with England crowned world champions at the 2025 Women\u2019s Rugby World Cup, expectations are already running high for a squad heavy with Red Roses. <\/p>\n
Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n The tour will take place in\u00a0September 2027 in New\u202fZealand, featuring\u00a0three Test matches against the Black Ferns, plus additional pre\u2011Test fixtures (schedule still to be finalised).<\/p>\n Lions chair and former Wales winger\u00a0Ieuan Evans\u00a0described the move as \u201ca\u00a0key development for women\u2019s rugby and women\u2019s sport in general.\u201d Lions chief executive\u00a0Ben Calveley\u00a0added:<\/p>\n \u201cSupporting the growth of the women\u2019s game is a key strategic priority for the British & Irish Lions as it is for each of our unions.<\/p>\n \u201cSignificant effort has gone into exploring the concept of a Lions Women\u2019s Tour and great credit needs to go to the members of our steering committee, our board, and our staff.<\/p>\n \u201cIn particular, I want to recognise the collaboration of our four unions and thank them for their continued support and the level of commitment they have shown throughout this journey.\u201d<\/p>\n The announcement follows a\u00a0January 2024 feasibility study\u00a0examining everything from brand strength, commercial value, logistics, and spectator interest.<\/p>\n World Cup success cements England\u2019s dominance \u2014 and shapes Lions projections<\/p>\n The 2025 Women\u2019s Rugby World Cup concluded in emphatic fashion:\u00a0England defeated Canada 33\u201313\u00a0in front of a record crowd of ~81,885 at Twickenham, securing their third world title. That victory not only confirmed England\u2019s status as the sport\u2019s dominant force but also significantly affects expectations around the composition and ambitions of the first Lions women\u2019s squad.<\/p>\n In the lead\u2011up to the tour announcement, speculation has already centred on\u00a0John Mitchell\u00a0\u2014 who coached the Red Roses to their 2025 triumph \u2014 taking the reins for the Lions. Mitchell has publicly expressed openness to the role, now that he has led England through a flawless campaign under his tenure. With England\u2019s depth, track record, and professional structures, the Lions roster is widely expected to be\u00a0dominated by England players, backed by contributions from Wales, Ireland, and Scotland.<\/p>\n Mitchell\u2019s willingness to take up the dual challenge reflects the gravity of the opportunity:<\/p>\n \u201cThe Lions is a huge honour\u2026 That is definitely something I would consider.\u201d<\/p>\n Tour context and significance<\/p>\n The Lions have long toured internationally since 1888, but until now only in the men\u2019s game \u2014 rotating destinations among New\u202fZealand, South Africa, and Australia. The women\u2019s side now steps into that legacy, offering a new platform and prestige. Hosts\u00a0New Zealand Rugby\u00a0have welcomed the prospect. NZR CEO\u00a0Mark Robinson\u00a0said:<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the opportunity arose to be part of history and have the honour of hosting the inaugural British & Irish Lions Women\u2019s Tour, we knew we wanted to be part of it. The 2027 tour has already secured sponsorship backing, a strong signal of commercial confidence in women\u2019s rugby.<\/p>\n Challenges, opportunities and legacy<\/p>\n The timing is auspicious. The World Cup has helped push women\u2019s rugby into the spotlight: the 2025 tournament has been hailed as \u201cthe greatest of all time,\u201d with record attendances, viewership, and momentum. Yet this success also brings responsibility. Expectations on the Lions \u2014 especially with a likely England\u2011centred roster \u2014 will be intense.<\/p>\n For the British & Irish Lions women, 2027 is more than a tour: it is a statement of intent. After more than a century of men\u2019s tradition, the Lions women will get their chance to write a new chapter \u2014 one shaped by the rising tide of women\u2019s rugby, driven by world champions, and coached by one of the sport\u2019s most accomplished leaders.<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist: Six favourites for the award<\/p>\n The BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award celebrates exceptional British athletes who have captivated the public with their performances. <\/p>\n As we approach the 2025 ceremony, several athletes have emerged as strong contenders. Here\u2019s a look at the top favourites and their current betting odds:<\/p>\n
Women\u2019s rugby is growing at pace in New Zealand and following the success of the Rugby World Cup in 2022, we know the excitement world\u2011class competition can generate.\u201d<\/p>\n