British & Irish Lions announce opponents for historic first women's fixture

The British & Irish Lions Women will play their first-ever game against France at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium next August ahead of their inaugural tour.

The Howden Lions Women’s Cup fixture will take place on Friday 27 August 2027 and kick-off at 19:30.

A week later, the Lions will face a Black Ferns XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei. The tour will then feature two Tests against New Zealand, alongside a match against an Invitational XV, before concluding at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday 25 September.

Jo Yapp, British & Irish Lions Women’s head coach, said: “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.”

Facing France will be a monumental challenge for this first-ever Lions team. François Ratier’s team are currently ranked fourth in the world and are about to take on the Black Ferns in three-Test matches to conclude their WXV Global Series 2026 campaign.

Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, said: “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.”

Tickets are now available for the Cardiff fixture, and are priced at £10 for children and £20 for adults.

Abi Tierney, CEO of Welsh Rugby Union, said: “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.”

British & Irish Lions Women fixtures 2027

• British & Irish Lions v France, Friday 27 August 2027, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
• Black Ferns XV v British & Irish Lions, Saturday 4 September 2027, Okara Park, Whangarei
• Black Ferns v British & Irish Lions, Saturday 11 September 2027, Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
• Invitational XV v British & Irish Lions, Wednesday 14 September 2027, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
• Black Ferns v British & Irish Lions, Saturday 18 September 2027, Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
• Black Ferns v British & Irish Lions, Saturday 25 September 2027, Te Kaha, Christchurch