The Birth of Women’s British and Irish Lions – Tilly J
In the book of rugby history, a new chapter is being written – one that promises not just scrums and tries but a seismic shift in the sport’s lanscape. Brace yourselves for the creation of the Women’s British and Irish Lions, a phenomemon that’s about to tackle the rugby world by storm with flair, ferocity, and a touch of finesse. This first-ever women’s team will tour New Zealand in 2027; the combined four nations will play 3 Test matches against the Black Ferns in September of that year with more games to be announced before the main series.
The British & Irish Lions will continue to collaborate with all key stakeholders, including its constituent Unions, World Rugby, and the various leagues to finalise full Tour details including the Tour schedule. 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.
This announcement follows a feasibility study funded by Lions Founding Partner Royal London, which concluded that the optimum time for the Tour is 2027. This study also investigated all key aspects of creating a Lions Women’s Tour with a consultation process exploring brand, commercial, financial, spectator, logistical, and scheduling considerations.
The British & Irish Lions is also pleased to unveil major commercial partnerships for the Lions Women’s Tour, in what is a significant endorsement for the Tour and Series, women’s rugby, and women’s sport generally.
The UK’s largest life, pensions, and investments mutual, Royal London is confirmed as Founding Partner of the Lions Women’s Team. It will also be the front of jersey sponsor for the official jersey, after funding the original feasibility study as longstanding supporters of the prospect of a Lions Women’s Tour.
The partnership will also see Royal London 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.
Leading global insurance group Howden meanwhile has been confirmed as the Series Title Partner of the inaugural Lions Women’s Tour which will be named the Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series. Howden’s support for the Lion’s Women’s Tour is part of its overall partnership with The British & Irish Lions which also sees them support the Lions at a community level via the Lions Origin Clubs, as well as being the official front of jersey sponsor for the upcoming 2025 Lions Men’s Tour to Australia.
The journey towards this ground-breaking moment involved equal parts of determination and passion. Advocates for women’s rugby, armed with tenacity and a burning desire for inclusivity, championed the cause, pushing boundaries and challeging stereotypes like never before. The creation of the Women’s Lions is more than just an evolution; it’s a rugby revolution. The iconic lion logo is now donned with a distinctive touch of feminity, proudly roaring on jerseys, signalling a new era where pride knows no gender.
The chosen few, the best of the best from the British and Irish rugby realms, will wear their jersey’s with pride, ready to embark on a jouney that will echo through the rugby history books.
Off the pitch, this news’ impact rippled through communities, inspiring a new generation of girls to pick up rugby balls and to dream of wearing the iconic red jersey. The Women’s Lions is more than just a team; they are the torchbearers for the future of women’s rugby.
So here’s to the visionaries, the trailblazers, and the lionesses who dared to roar in thr face of traditon. The Women’s British and Irish Lions have arrived, and they are not just rewritting history; they are creating a legacy that will inspire generations of rugby enthusiasts, proving once and for all that the roar of the lions knows no gender.
(P.S. Netflix have released a TV series called “Six Nations: Full Contact”, I thoroughly recommend it!!)
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