The British & Irish Lions Women’s team will face France at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday 27 August, marking the first-ever match played by a Lions Women's team, ahead of the inaugural Tour to New Zealand in 2027.
Kicking off at 19:30, The Howden Lions Women's Cup will provide supporters with their first opportunity to see Jo Yapp’s side in action on home soil and give the team a memorable send-off before heading to New Zealand for the inaugural Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series.
The Tour begins on Saturday 4 September 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 11 September.
The Lions will then take on an Invitational XV at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Tuesday 14 September, before the second Test in Wellington on Saturday 18 September. The Series concludes with the third and final Test at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday 25 September.
Jo Yapp, British & Irish Lions Women’s Head Coach, said of the fixture announcement:
“There are moments in sport that only come around once - and this is one of them. For our British & 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. France are the ideal team for an occasion like this. They bring a relentless defence and a real edge in attack. That’s exactly the challenge that we need before heading to New Zealand. I’d love to see everyone get behind the squad and share this milestone with us. It will be a moment in history.”
Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, continued:
“We’re immensely proud to announce our first-ever British & Irish Lions Women's fixture, in what is a monumental moment in Lions history. The Principality Stadium is a special venue with a rich rugby heritage, and it provides a fitting stage for such an occasion. With regards to our opposition, France are an outstanding side with a wealth of talent and experience, and they will present a huge test for Jo and her squad. We want to put on a show and create a spectacle of the highest level, both on and off the pitch. Our ambition is to provide an opportunity for the fans to be part of a truly special day.”
Abi Tierney, CEO of Welsh Rugby Union, added:
"The establishment of the British & Irish Lions Women’s team is a landmark moment for our game. The excitement and momentum behind women’s rugby has never been greater. To be able to welcome the inaugural Lions Women’s team to Cardiff for their home game at Principality Stadium, is something we are incredibly proud of. It promises to be a hugely important occasion for the players, our stadium and for women’s sport as a whole."
Tickets for the Howden Lions Women’s Cup - which has been titled with the support of Howden, Official Insurance Partner of The British & Irish Lions - are now available from £10 for children and £20 for adults, with a group offer available when purchasing 10+ adult tickets.
For purchases made in the first 48 hours, supporters have the chance to win a hospitality upgrade for two individuals.