British & Irish Lions announce historic head coach appointment

The landmark Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series will see the Lions take on the Black Ferns in a three Test series, alongside a schedule of warm up fixtures, including a pre Tour match expected to be confirmed later this year.

The 2027 Tour is being viewed as a major moment for the Lions and for the continued expansion of women’s rugby across the four home unions.

Yapp will take a sabbatical from her role as Head of Women’s Pathway at England Rugby to lead the Tour. She will begin working with the Lions on a part time basis from July before moving into the role full time in January.

A former England international with 70 caps, Yapp represented the Red Roses at three Women’s Rugby World Cups before moving into coaching.

Her coaching career has included roles with England Under 20s Women, Worcester Warriors Women and the Barbarians, while she most recently led the Australian women’s national side at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

Yapp will officially be presented as Lions Women’s Head Coach during a media conference at the London offices of Lions founding partner Royal London on 9 June.

Ben Calveley, CEO of the British & Irish Lions, said: “We are delighted to announce Jo Yapp as Head Coach of The British & Irish Lions Women’s Team for the 2027 Tour to New Zealand.

“Jo’s breadth of experience across the UK club game and the international women’s game in the southern hemisphere made her an outstanding candidate for this role.

"Her vision for bringing together players from the four Unions was hugely compelling, and we are thrilled to welcome her on board.

“The selection process was rigorous, competitive and international in scope as befitting the significance of this historic appointment.

“For a moment that represents such a step forward for the game, it was important to us that this appointment serves our desire to grow and support all aspects of the women’s game including the promotion of female coaches.

"We are delighted to appoint Jo who we believe will excite players and fans alike as we continue to build towards New Zealand in 2027.”

Speaking after her appointment, Yapp described the role as “an incredible honour”.

“To lead the first ever British & Irish Lions Women’s Team is an incredible honour and something I’m immensely proud of.

"The Lions represents the very best of our sport, and this Tour to New Zealand is an opportunity to create something truly special and help shape the future of women’s rugby for years to come.

“I know from experience how challenging it is to face the Black Ferns on home soil, but that challenge is exactly what makes this Tour so exciting.

"There is an enormous amount of talent across the four Unions and I’m looking forward to bringing together the very best players to represent the Lions in 2027.”

Ieuan Evans MBE, Chair of the British & Irish Lions, said: “This appointment reflects our ambition to deliver a Tour that inspires players, supporters and future generations across our four Unions.

“New Zealand is one of rugby’s great touring destinations, with a proud rugby heritage and hugely passionate supporters, and it will provide a fitting stage for what promises to be a truly historic Tour.”