The British and Irish Lions Women's team will make their competitive debut against France at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday August 27, in what marks the first-ever match contested by a Lions Women's side.
The Howden Lions Women's Cup fixture will give supporters their inaugural chance to witness Jo Yapp's squad in action on home soil before the groundbreaking inaugural Tour to New Zealand in 2027. Tickets went on sale on 14 October 2026, priced from £10 for children and £20 for adults, with group discounts available for purchases of 10 or more adult tickets. The match will kick off at 19:30.
The New Zealand tour itself commences on Saturday September 4 when the Lions Women encounter a Black Ferns XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, followed by the historic first Test against the Black Ferns at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Saturday September 11.
The squad will then face an Invitational XV at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Tuesday September 14, with the second Test taking place 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.
The five New Zealand venues have a combined capacity of more than 124,000 fans across the tour matches, underlining the scale of the undertaking.
Coach Yapp on the significance of the occasion
Head Coach Jo Yapp expressed her enthusiasm for the milestone moment, emphasising the rarity of such an opportunity in sport.
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 highlighted France's credentials as opponents, describing them as the perfect test ahead of the New Zealand challenge.
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.
The head coach called on supporters to embrace the historic nature of the fixture.
I'd love to see everyone get behind the squad and share this milestone with us. It will be a moment in history.
Lions CEO on the historic announcement
Ben Calveley, CEO of The British and Irish Lions, described the announcement as a monumental moment in the organisation's history.
We're immensely proud to announce our first-ever British & Irish Lions Women's fixture, in what is a monumental moment in Lions history.
Calveley praised the choice of venue, noting the Principality Stadium's standing in rugby.
The Principality Stadium is a special venue with a rich rugby heritage, and it provides a fitting stage for such an occasion.
He acknowledged France's strength as opponents and outlined the Lions' ambitions for the 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.
Background to the women's tour
The inaugural women's tour represents a significant expansion of the Lions brand. A feasibility study found the tour was projected to be commercially sustainable, with 2027 identified as the optimum year for launch, and New Zealand selected through a subsequent host-selection process.
