The British and Irish Lions have announced they will send a women’s side to New Zealand for a historic three-Test series with the Black Ferns in September 2027.
In a first for the Lions which comes as a significant boost for the sport, the hugely anticipated tour will feature three showdowns against the current world champions.
The Lions issued a statement on Tuesday morning confirming that the tour will not overlap with 2027’s men’s World Cup in Australia and will include warm-up games.
The Lions added that the full schedule had not yet been finalised.
“Playing three Test matches against the current world champions, the Black Ferns in , in front of thousands of fans represents the ultimate challenge and makes for a fantastic sporting spectacle,” said chief executive Ben Calveley.
“We look forward to working with all our stakeholders including New Zealand Rugby to finalise an exciting inaugural tour.”
Mark Robinson, New Zealand Rugby CEO commented: “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 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 British and Irish Lions have also unveiled major commercial partnerships, in what is a major endorsement for the 2027 tour and series and women’s rugby in general.
The UK’s largest life, pensions, and investments mutual, Royal London, is Founding Partner of the Lions women’s team.
It will also be the front of jersey sponsor in 2027.
Royal London will also invest in player development in each of the British & Irish Lions constituent unions through the delivery of a special elite players’ Pathways Funding grant. The grants will support the elite women’s player and coach pathways in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and England, to help unions develop more players and coaches capable of being selected for the inaugural Lions women’s Tour. In addition, Royal London will also be investing in women’s and girls’ grassroots rugby across the UK and Ireland in the run-up to the tour.
Finally, leading global insurance group Howden has been confirmed as the Series Title Partner of the tour, which will be named the Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series.
