"Historic Milestone" - Picking the 2027 British & Irish Lions Women's Squad to Face the Black Ferns

Tuesday, 16 January 2024 at 13:53

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byTom Sansom

In a milestone announcement for the progression of women's rugby, it was announced today that a women's British & Irish Lions tour will take place in 2027. The best women's rugby players from across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will wear the iconic red jersey, and take on the Black Ferns of New Zealand in a three match test series.

The tour will be officially known as the Howden British & Irish Lions Women's Series, and will take place in September 2027. The tour will follow the same principle format of previous men's Lions tours, with a best of three series against the hosts, as well as 'pre-Test fixtures'. The opponents for these non-test matches are as yet unconfirmed, but we expect them to be the four Super Rugby Aupiki sides; Blues Women, Hurricanes Poua, Chiefs Manawa and Matatu.

New Zealand Women thank the fans after the autumn international match between England Women and New Zealand Women at Sandy Park on 31 Oct 2021. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

With the tour taking place in three years time, it is difficult to predict as to who will be starring for their countries in the run-up to selection. Injuries can often curtail the best laid plans, and the stars of tomorrow's Lions may have not yet even been introduced to test match rugby. However, we have decided to dust off the crystal ball and give it our best shot, as we predict the 2027 British & Irish Lions Women's squad, for the ground-breaking tour to New Zealand.

BACK THREE

Ellie Kildunne of England Red Roses during the international friendly match between England Red Roses and Canada women at Sandy Park, Exeter on 23rd Sept 2023. Photo: Izzy Ninnis/PPAUK

15. Ellie Kildunne (England and Harlequins)

14. Abby Dow (England and Trailfinders Women)

11. Francesca McGhie (Scotland and Leicester Tigers)

CENTRES

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13. Tatyana Heard (England and Gloucester-Hartpury)

12. Helen Nelson (Scotland and Loughborough Lightning)

HALFBACKS

Holly Aitchison of England Red Roses during the international friendly match between England Red Roses and Canada women at StoneX Stadium, London on Saturday 30 September 2023. Photo: James Whitehead/PPAUK

10. Holly Aitchison (England and Bristol Bears)

9. Keira Bevan (Wales and Bristol Bears)

CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

FRONT ROW

Sisilia Tuipulotu of Wales Women during the TikTok Womens Six Nations match between England Women and Wales Women at Kingsholm Stadium on April 9 2022 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

1. Hannah Botterman (England and Bristol Bears)

2. Lark Atkin-Davies (England and Bristol Bears)

3. Sisilia Tuipulotu (Wales and Gloucester-Hartpury)

LOCKS

Jade Konkel of Harlequins Women on the break during the Women's Allianz Premier 15s match between Exeter Chiefs Women and Harlequins Women at Sandy Park on 16 Jan 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK.

4. Zoe Aldcroft (England and Gloucester-Hartpury)

5. Jade Konkel-Roberts (Scotland and Harlequins)

BACK ROW

Try Celebrations for Marlie Packer, Captain of England Women during the TikTok Womens Six Nations Match between England Women and France Women at Twickenham, London on 29 April 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

6. Bethan Lewis (Wales and Gloucester-Hartpury)

7. Marlie Packer (England and Saracens) (Captain)

8. Deirbhile Nic a Bháird (Ireland and Munster Rugby)

REPLACMENTS

Try Celebrations for Sarah Bern of England Women as she goes over for a try during the TikTok Womens Six Nations match between England Women and Wales Women at Kingsholm Stadium on April 9 2022 in Gloucester, England. (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

16. Lana Skeldon (Scotland and Bristol Bears)

17. Demi Swann (Scotland and Exeter Chiefs Women)

18. Sarah Bern (England and Bristol Bears)

19. Sam Monaghan (Ireland and Gloucester-Hartpury)

20. Alex Matthews (England and Gloucester-Hartpury)

21. Ella Wyrwas (England and Saracens Women)

22. Helena Rowland (England and Loughborough Lightning)

23. Jess Breach (England and Bristol Bears)