Black Fern keen on women's British & Irish Lions tour concept
A recent feasibility study into the possibility of holding a British and Irish Lions women’s tour has been completed with “positive initial findings.”
Should a tour proceed anytime soon it’s likely the Black Ferns would be the Lions inaugural opposition.
Black Ferns World Champion hooker Luka Connor was a foundation member of the revived Bay of Plenty Volcanic in 2014 and Chiefs Manawa in 2021. She welcomes the prospect of tackling the Lions.
“It would be an amazing opportunity for those players if the British and Irish Lions made a women’s team. Anything that helps grow the women’s game is exciting and if there was a team it would be an awesome display of the best players,” Connor told RugbyPass.
“I’m unsure on what the organising for this would be, but it would be cool to tour over there and that could lead them to come to New Zealand too.”
The Lions men have twice toured New Zealand while Connor has been alive. In 2005 the All Blacks destroyed Clive Woodward’s army of geriatrics and spin doctors 3-0, outscoring the hosts 107-40 in the test series.
The 2017 Lions under Warren Gatland were far more resolute in achieving a historic series tie.
“I remember watching the team growing up playing against our New Zealand sides. It was interesting to see this team come together with top players and exciting to watch them play not knowing how the contest would be,” Connor said.
England hasn’t lost an international to Ireland, Scotland, or Wales since 2015. Is there a danger the Lions would merely be England in red shirts?
The greater commitment to professionalism in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales should see the gap eventually close and if anything can match the hype and spectacle of the World Cup final surely, it’s worth a punt. Connor still buzzes when reflecting on the Black Ferns 34-31 toppling of England at Eden Park on November 12.
“Singing the national anthem to a sold-out crowd was indescribable; I will never forget that moment. When the final whistle went, being able to look around and see everyone holding their Poi’s up high with pride was so special and an unbelievable memory.”
Connor isn’t stuck in the past. She’s been outstanding for unbeaten Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki. She has scored at least a try in all three wins and has spearheaded the Chiefs imperious set piece.
“We’re going well at the moment. I believe it all comes down to everyone in our team being their authentic self. We have fun, great banter and plenty of laughs. We have strong connections and want to work hard for each other. If we all focus on our roles in the team, then things should come together on the field.
“All the teams we have played have been great in different aspects, they all play their own style of rugby. The Hurricanes and Blues like the physicality whereas Matat? likes to play with speed in the backs. Each team has its strengths and we will see who’s in the final soon.”
Former Black Ferns director of Rugby Wayne Smith has suggested the rolling maul should be banned. Is rugby in the future the Black Ferns against the Lions at Eden Park with no mauls?
“Old Smithy he’s a character alright, Connor laughed.
“I like the rest of New Zealand wouldn’t have minded if the maul was banned in the final, but you’ve got to remember Smithy was a back.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Completely agree. More friday night games would be a hit. RFU to make sure every club has a floodlit pitch. Club opens again Saturday to welcome touch / tag. Minis and youths on Sunday
3 Go to comments1.97m and 105Kg? Proportionately, probably skinnier than me at 1.82 and 82kilos. He won’t survive against the big guys at that weight.
54 Go to commentsThe value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
54 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
54 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
54 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
54 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
54 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
54 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
54 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
54 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to comments