British and Irish Lions to Play First Women's Match Against France
France will provide the first test for Jo Yapp’s side before a five-match tour of New Zealand begins.
- On Friday, August 27, 2027, the British & Irish Lions Women will play their first-ever fixture against France at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff before their inaugural tour to New Zealand.
- Head coach Jo Yapp selected France to test squad defense and attack before three Tests in New Zealand, stating, "France are the ideal team for an occasion like this."
- Dubbed 'The Howden Lions Women's Cup,' the fixture marks a monumental milestone for the Lions organization. CEO Ben Calveley said, "We're immensely proud to announce our first-ever British & Irish Lions Women's fixture."
- Integrating elite players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales presents a rapid-unification challenge for the coaching staff. Yapp compared the task to "bringing the Harlem Globetrotters together, but you've had no time."
- The Welsh Rugby Union selected Cardiff to maximize stadium attendance and fan engagement for this historic occasion. Isherwood, who captained Great Britain in 1986, said, "It'll be great if it is a sea of red.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
British & Irish Lions Women to have Cardiff warmup against France before tour of New Zealand
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — The first ever rugby tour by the British & Irish Lions Women's team will be preceded by a warmup match on home soil against France.
Radio France Internationale
France24British and Irish Lions to play first women's match against France
The combined side will face the French at the Principality Stadium on August 27. France, ranked fourth in the world, have long been the closest challengers in European women's rugby union to world champions England, who are on a 41-game unbeaten streak. They should provide a stern test for a Lions side coached by former Australia women's boss Jo Yapp, herself a former England captain. The Lions face a Black Ferns XV the following weekend in Whan…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Women’s Lions to face France in Cardiff ahead of inaugural tour
Jo Yapp’s side will host France in their first fixture ahead of three Tests with New Zealand
Women’s British and Irish Lions to play first match in Cardiff
The first ever women’s British and Irish Lions team will look to sell out the 74,000-capacity Principality Stadium before an inaugural tour to New Zealand. The touring team – made up of players from the Home Nations and the Republic of Ireland – will play France in a send-off match sponsored by insurance giant Howden [...]
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