British & Irish Lions confirms historic tour to take place in 2027
Rugby NewsTuesday, 02 December 2025 at 06:51
The British & Irish Lions have officially announced their inaugural Women’s Tour — and it’s set for New Zealand in 2027.
The landmark series will take place in September and feature three Test matches against the Black Ferns, the dominant six-time world champions.
The Lions will also play pre-Test fixtures, though the full schedule is yet to be finalised.
Lions chair and former Wales winger Ieuan Evans hailed the tour as a monumental step, saying it was a “key development for women’s rugby and women’s sport in general”.
Lions chief executive Ben Calveley reinforced the significance of the move:
The historic announcement followed a January 2024 feasibility study into the potential for a women’s tour — examining everything from brand strength to logistics, commercial value, and spectator interest.
The Lions, traditionally made up of players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, have toured since 1888, with the men rotating between New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia every four years. The women now step into that legacy with their own moment to shine.
Hosts New Zealand Rugby were quick to welcome the opportunity.
“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,” said NZR CEO Mark Robinson.
“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.”
The 2027 tour has already secured sponsorship, adding yet another vote of confidence to this long-anticipated next step for women’s rugby.
After over a century of men’s touring history, the Lions women are ready to write a new chapter.
British & Irish Lions Predicted 2027 XV is dominated by England
Because of their dominance among the four nations, this predicted Lions 23 for 2027is very England-heavy, however we have included at least one player from each of them.
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Starting XV:
15 Ellie Kildunne (England)
A dazzling game-changer from fullback, Kildunne brings explosive attacking flair, unmatched running meters, and the kind of big-match temperament that lifts entire teams.
14 Abby Dow (England)
Lethal with every touch, Dow is a prolific try-scorer whose strike rate is as terrifying as her fend; a winger built for moments that decide games.
13 Megan Jones (England)
A complete centre with silky footwork and ferocious defence, Jones blends creativity with control and proved unplayable during England’s World Cup triumph.
12 Tatyana Heard (England)
A hard-carrying centre who thrives in contact, Heard offers direct, physical midfield presence and rock-solid defence that complements flair players outside her.
11 Francesca McGhie (Scotland)
An electric finisher with both grace and grit, McGhie is a back-three threat who brings relentless energy and big-run potential in open play.
10 Zoe Harrison (England)
A composed, tactical general at fly-half, Harrison brings calm under pressure and an adaptable kicking game that suits any style the Lions might adopt.
9 Natasha Hunt (England)
With vision, tempo and flair, Hunt delivers fast, intelligent service and keeps defences guessing—an experienced nine who can set a Lions backline alight.
1 Hannah Botterman (England)
A dynamic prop who combines scrummaging power with back-row agility, Botterman is a cornerstone of the pack and a menace in the loose.
2 Amy Cokayne (England)
Cokayne brings physical dominance, a ferocious work rate, and scoring instincts rarely seen in a hooker—she’s a wrecking ball in red.
3 Maud Muir (England)
Powerful at the set piece and increasingly influential in open play, Muir’s scrummaging strength and versatility across the front row are invaluable on tour.
4 Zoe Aldcroft – Captain (England)
A commanding presence and born leader, Aldcroft’s blend of breakdown mastery, lineout efficiency, and authority makes her the natural choice as skipper.
5 Abbie Ward (England)
The engine of England’s scrum, Ward is the master of lineout timing and tight-five toughness—a lock who gives structure and bite.
6 Alex Matthews (England)
A relentless workhorse with elite rugby IQ, Matthews glides through games doing the unseen hard yards and delivering in key moments when it counts.
7 Sadia Kabeya (England)
A defensive titan and tireless presence across the park, Kabeya led the World Cup in tackles and plays every game like it’s her last.
8 Evie Gallagher (Scotland)
A rising star in the Scottish pack, Gallagher brings aggression, dynamism and a nose for disruption at the back of the scrum. She had a very strong World Cup and could well end up getting a chance for the Lions in 2027.
Replacements:
16 Neve Jones (Ireland)
A fierce competitor with an explosive style, Jones is fearless in contact, tenacious at the breakdown, and always brings a spark off the bench.
17 Gwenllian Pyrs (Wales)
Powerful and dependable, Pyrs is a strong scrummager who brings go-forward ball and adds valuable front-row depth to the touring party.
18 Sarah Bern (England)
An explosive tighthead who thrives in big moments, Bern brings unmatched carrying power and set-piece muscle—an ideal impact sub or starter.
19 Morwenna Talling (England)
Reliable, tough, and still improving, Talling offers defensive solidity and aerial prowess with a cool head under pressure.
20 Erin King (Ireland)
Energetic and fearless, King is a dynamic flanker who brings youthful aggression, pace, and the ability to turn defence into attack in a heartbeat.
21 Keira Bevan (Wales)
An experienced scrum-half who controls tempo with precision, Bevan provides tactical balance and brings composure when the game gets tight.
22 Holly Aitchison (England)
Versatile, calm and creative, Aitchison offers playmaking options at 10 or 12 and brings an assured kicking game off the bench.
23 Jess Breach (England)
A lethal finisher with world-class pace and spatial awareness, Breach is a constant try threat and game-breaker waiting to be unleashed.
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