The British and Irish Lions have just unveiled groundbreaking plans for their inaugural women’s tour, set to take place in New Zealand in 2027. Scheduled for September, this historic tour will feature three intense Test matches against the formidable six-time world champion Black Ferns.
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The decision to embark on this groundbreaking journey was informed by a comprehensive feasibility study generously funded by Lions Founding Partner Royal London.
This study delved into critical elements essential for orchestrating a successful Lions Women’s Tour, encompassing brand development, commercial viability, financial considerations, spectator engagement, logistical intricacies, and scheduling logistics.
Following the study, a meticulous Tour host selection process unfolded, ultimately designating New Zealand as the preferred Tour destination. Stay tuned for forthcoming announcements, as further details regarding this groundbreaking Tour are expected to be revealed in due course.
Ben Calveley, CEO, British & Irish Lions said: “Supporting the growth of the women’s game is a key strategic priority for The British & Irish Lions as it is for each of our Unions. Significant effort has gone into exploring the concept of a Lions Women’s Tour and great credit needs to go to the members of our steering committee, our board, and our staff.
“In particular, I want to recognise the collaboration of our four Unions and thank them for their continued support and the level of commitment they have shown throughout this journey. I would also like to thank World Rugby for the reforms to regulation 9 which makes this Tour possible in 2027.
We are also very grateful to all the clubs as well as wider stakeholders who have all been very supportive and accommodating during this process. We look forward to collaborating further with all stakeholders over the coming months to finalise plans for this historic Tour.
“It is also significant that we are announcing two major commercial partnerships for the Lions Women’s Tour today which is recognition of the huge potential of the Tour, the desire for large brands and organisations to be associated with it, as well as the growth of women’s rugby.
“Royal London has been an outstanding partner to The British & Irish Lions and a consistent advocate both for this Tour and for the women’s game. Their aim is to make a positive impact on women’s rugby and continue its growth and success story and we are honoured to have them on board.”
Predicted 42 Player Squad for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia
Tour Captain: Jamie George (England and Saracens)
LOOSE-HEAD PROPS
Starting XV: Andre Porter (Ireland and Leinster)
Replacement: Ellis Genge (England and Bristol Bears)
Non-Test: Pierre Schoeman (Scotland and Edinburgh)
We commence this almighty squad list with the loose-head props, as a trio of top talents will be staking their claims to be number one for the Lions. We begin our picks with the man regarded as being pound for pound the strongest professional rugby player, as Andrew Porter has previously recorded unbelievable squat rack lifts of 350kg. The Leinster man was unfortunate to miss out of the 2021 Tour to South Africa, having been previously selected by head coach Warren Gatland, only to suffer a toe injury ahead of the trip.
Our replacement loose-head option is a man that recently sat out England’s 2024 Summer tour to New Zealand, as Ellis Genge has been battling back from the sidelines with a calf injury. The Bristol Bears front row saw out the season with the West Country side, but was forced to the medical bay to ensure he comes back stronger for the 2024/25 season. Genge would be chomping at the bit for an inclusion in the 2025 Lions tour, in what would be his first involvement in the famous red jersey.
We would love to hear cries of ‘schooooeeee’ echo from the Gold Coast to Perth, with our inclusion of Scotland and Edinburgh prop Pierre Schoeman amongst the loose-heads. The South African born front rower has been hitting career-best form in recent outings under Gregor Townsend, with solid scrummaging performances in the Rugby World Cup making him the go-to Scottish loose-head throughout the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.
TIGHT-HEAD PROPS
Starting XV: Tadhg Furlong (Ireland and Leinster)
Replacement: Zander Fagerson (Scotland and Glasgow Warriors)
Non-Test: Finlay Bealham (Ireland and Connacht)
Ireland are spoiled for choice with top quality tight-heads, and we can see Andy Farrell picking two of his Irish talents when it comes to picking his touring Lions pack. Beginning with arguably the best number three in the world, Tadhg Furlong’s recent clinic of scrummaging prowess in South Africa reminded the forward-proud Springboks on what the top Northern Hemisphere packs bring to the table. At 31-years-old, this could be the last chance to see the Leinster man in the red of the Lions, as he could become a three-time tourist and complete the trilogy of destinations.
Scotland’s resident battering ram rounds up our touring props, as we expect to see Zander Fagerson get the go ahead for his second tour with the British & Irish Lions. Fagerson did not feature in the three Test matches against South Africa on the 2021 tour, but he did get on the pitch in the first fixture, and became Lion number 848, as he ran out against the Emirates Lions. This battle of the Lions was Fagerson’s sole appearence and he remains officially uncapped in the red jersey, with the Scot hoping to change his favour and return from the Australia with a fetching new cap for the mantle-piece.
Supporting Furlong for Ireland, Finaly Bealham could well take up the same impact-player role that has brought him great successes in Andy Farrell’s side. Exploding off the bench with his iconic cornrows blowing in the wind, Bealham never fails to up the tempo of Ireland’s scrum and brings a powerful first step to any of his involvements around the park. The Connacht man was overlooked as a late replacement for the 2021 tour, as Kyle Sinckler was instead called-up as injury cover four years ago.