B&I Lions chairman sees 'an opportunity' in women's team after 'inspiring' RWC
The British and Irish Lions are one of the most historic, traditional and exclusive rugby teams in the world, but an exciting new chapter potentially awaits the team following some “positive” discussions.
History and tradition are engrained deep into the ethos of rugby – don’t forget about the Barbarians – and this has made each Lions tour truly special since the first British Isles tour in 1888.
Legends including Willie John McBride, Sam Walker and Gavin Hastings paved the way for modern day greats to etch their names into both rugby and Lions folklore.
Today, donning the coveted red jersey is ons of the greatest honours that a home nations player can achieve – but the exclusive club may expand and welcome a new band of players into their ranks.
As reported by sources including the DailyMail, a recommendation for the first-ever women’s Lions team has been “accepted.”
Lions chairman Ieuan Evans said it’s a great “opportunity” for the team following this year’s “transformational and inspiring” women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
“I chaired the feasibility study on the women’s Lions. A recommendation went to board and it was accepted,” Evans said, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“Those discussions are ongoing but they’re very positive. The feedback and response we’ve had from players and unions, sponsors and broadcasters, has been excellent.
“Look at the women’s World Cup. Talk about transformational and inspiring. The quality of the rugby was off-the-charts good. It really is an opportunity for us.
“It’s a question of when and finding a slot. Why wouldn’t the Lions, who are such a totemic entity, have a women’s team?
“There is the appetite and the quality and now it’s literally about finding a slot in the calendar for it.”
The women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand was a truly ground-breaking event, as a sold-out Eden Park watched on as the Black Ferns defended their crown against favourites England.
The Red Roses, who were on a 30-Test unbeaten streak going into the thrilling decider at Auckland’s home of rugby, fought valiantly despite playing with 14 players for more than an hour.
While it’s New Zealand’s name on the trophy, every single player, coach and referee who contributed to the success of that tournament can rightly take pride in what they’ve done for the sport.
But as rugby looks to grow and continue to benefit from the success and momentum of the World Cup, then a Lions tour seems like an incredible next step.
Considering the long-lasting rivalry between the Lions and New Zealand, DailyMail writer Alex Bywater has suggested “it would be logical” for the team to go head-to-head with the Black Ferns.
Evans, who played on the wing for the Lions on more than a handful of occasions, believes the female Lions would need to “find its own path.”
“The one thing about the women’s Lions is it needs to find its own path. The Lions has embraced its uniqueness and benefitted from being different to everyone else,” he said.
“The women’s Lions similarly should embrace being different. It doesn’t need to follow the men’s. It can do its own way and there is interest from the host nations.
“There is a lot of enthusiasm to host a women’s Lions. There is a significant value in it. That’s what the Lions does. It has a footprint well beyond its geographical boundaries.”
The British and Irish Lions returned to the Test arena in July last year against reigning world champions South Africa – but lost that series 2-1.
After winning the first Test by five-points in Cape Town, the men in red couldn’t do enough to take out the series.
Four years earlier, the Lions played both a thrilling and frustrating series decider against the All Blacks at Eden Park – which infamously ended in a draw.
A sea of red packed the stands at the famous New Zealand stadium, and chants of “Maro Itoje” were regularly heard echoing throughout the packed out stadium.
But following a long-range Elliot Daly penalty goal, the Test ended with a controversial decision by referee Romain Poite.
The men’s Lions traditionally played both of these nations every 12 years, as well as Australia who they’re set to come up against in 2025.
Comments on RugbyPass
Some dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
1 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
7 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
7 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
7 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
7 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
7 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
7 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to comments