Lions women to face France in history-making first game
The British and Irish Lions are to take on France at Cardiff's Principality Stadium before their historic three-Test 2027 tour to New Zealand.
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — The British & Irish Lions Women's rugby team is set to embark on their first-ever international tour, which will include a warmup match against France at home. The team will play in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on August 27, prior to their historic three-test series in New Zealand.
Since 1888, the men’s British and Irish Lions team has toured New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia every four years, selecting the best players from their national sides. The men’s team has also played warmup games at home in 2005, 2021, and 2025.
Lions head coach Jo Yapp expressed excitement for the women’s team to play their first home match, stating it will be "incredibly special" for them. The New Zealand tour begins on September 4 with a game against a Black Ferns XV in Whangārei. The first test against New Zealand will take place in Auckland on September 11, followed by a midweek match against an Invitational XV in Hamilton on September 14. The series concludes with the final two tests in Wellington and Christchurch.
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