The British and Irish Lions Women will face France at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday August 27, marking the first-ever match played by a Lions Women's team. The Howden Lions Women's Cup will give supporters their first chance to see Jo Yapp's side in action on home soil ahead of the inaugural Tour to New Zealand in 2027.
The Tour begins Saturday September 4 when the Lions Women face a Black Ferns XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, before the historic first Test against the Black Ferns at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Saturday September 11. The Lions will then take on an Invitational XV at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Tuesday September 14, with the second Test in Wellington on Saturday September 18. The Series concludes with the third and final Test at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday September 25.
Head Coach Jo Yapp said: "There are moments in sport that only come around once - and this is one of them. For our British and Irish Lions Women's team to step onto the field for the first time, on home soil and in front of our fans, is going to be incredibly special."
Yapp praised France as the ideal opponent, citing their relentless defence and real edge in attack. CEO Ben Calveley called the fixture a monumental moment in Lions history and said the Principality Stadium provides a fitting stage, adding: "We want to put on a show and create a spectacle of the highest level."
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing