British & Irish Lions Women confirm three key appointments with 'wealth of experience'

The British & Irish Lions have made three key appointments as the countdown to their inaugural Women’s Tour next year gathers pace.

The appointments include Charlie Hayter as general manager of high performance, Josie Symonds as head of athletic performance and Eimear Flannery as head of operations.

Jo Yapp, British & Irish Lions Women head coach, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Charlie, Josie and Eimear to The British & Irish Lions. They will bring a unique skill set and invaluable expertise to what we are creating ahead of next year’s Lions Women’s Tour.

“Their wealth of experience in the game will lay a fantastic foundation for what we want to deliver as a staff group over the next 12 months, and I’m looking forward to working with the three of them.”

Hayter joins on secondment from the Rugby Football Union, where he has been head of women’s performance since 2023. During his time in the role, the former England Sevens head coach has helped the Red Roses secure consecutive Guinness Women’s Six Nations titles and won Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

He will join the Lions with immediate effect on a part-time basis, join the Lions Executive team in January, and take up the role full-time from March. Hayter will be responsible for shaping organisational strategy, driving performance and overseeing the successful delivery of the tour. His immediate priority will be delivering the 2027 Women’s Tour, while also beginning preparations for the men’s tour in 2029.

Hayter said: “It is a privilege to work for the BIL and a tremendous opportunity which I don’t take lightly. It’s an incredible time to be involved with the growth of the Lions and the inaugural Women’s Tour, building on the legacy and foundations of previous Tours – but also cutting fresh cloth to be stitched into the fabric of the Lions.

“I recognise the significance and responsibility of delivering an extraordinary tour in 2027 and will have an immediate focus on shaping the success on the ground. It’s also an exciting position to be in where we can lay some of the early performance foundations for the 2029 Men’s tour.”

Symonds joins the Lions on secondment from the Scottish Rugby Union, where she is currently head of women’s athletic performance. She will oversee the athletic performance programme for next year’s tour and help prepare players for the physical demands of a Lions tour. She will join the Lions on a full-time basis from January.

Flannery completes this core part of the senior leadership team. She previously worked as women’s national team manager and sevens programme manager with the Irish Rugby Football Union, as well as rugby operations programme manager at Edinburgh Rugby.

She has been appointed head of operations, a role in which she will lead the operational and logistical delivery of the Lions Women’s Tour.

Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome three individuals of such calibre and expertise to The British & Irish Lions, and I’d like to thank their respective Unions for their support in making these appointments possible.

“These appointments will play an important role in laying the foundations for an exciting 12 months ahead. I have every confidence that Charlie, Josie and Eimear will make a valuable contribution to Jo and the wider team as we build towards what promises to be a significant year.”