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Fan poll reveals what percentage would watch Women's Lions team

By Josh Raisey
2017 Lions boss Warren Gatland shakes hands with fans after the second Test win over New Zealand in Wellington (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

A Twitter poll conducted by Royal London this week revealed that 56.8 per cent of people would watch a women’s British and Irish Lions team if it was established.

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This is part of a study funded by Royal London to explore the feasibility of a women’s Lions team, after the insurance company was announced as an official partner of the Lions this week. The deal sees the company become ‘principal partner’ of the women’s Lions programme as well as the men’s team.

On top of the 56.8 per cent who said they would watch the team, a further 9.3% were a maybe, while 33.9 per cent were a no.

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Eddie Jones & Owen Farrell England vs France Six Nations Press Conference

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Royal London also Tweeted: “Thanks for voting, it’s brilliant that 56.8 per cent of you would watch a women’s Lions team when around 16 per cent of the population currently watch rugby,” alongside the hashtag “LevellingThePlayingField”.

The responses to this poll have also been hugely positive on Twitter with many seemingly of the opinion that a Lions tour would raise the profile of the women’s game.

The only criticism seems to relate to the power balance of the teams in the women’s game, particularly in the Home Nations, where fans think a potential Lions team could be dominated by English players.

Lions managing director Ben Calveley said: “The feasibility study is an important first step in determining whether a women’s Lions could be established and we are very grateful to have Royal London’s support and investment.”

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Royal London chief marketing officer Susie Logan added: “As a modern mutual, we believe in the power of acting in collective interests and that’s why it’s fantastic that we can use the combined power of the Lions and Royal London to explore whether a Lions women’s team could be established.

“Through our partnership we aim to make a positive impact on the continued success of women’s rugby.”

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mitch 2 hours ago
The Wallabies team Joe Schmidt must pick to win back Bledisloe Cup

Rodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.

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