British & Irish Lions confirm historic first-ever France clash at Principality Stadium

byTom Sansom

The British & Irish Lions Women will make history next summer when they face France in their first-ever match at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

Jo Yapp's side will take on the French on Friday, 27 August 2027, in a landmark occasion for British and Irish rugby.

The clash will be the first chance for fans to see the new-look Lions in action before they head to New Zealand for their maiden tour.

And they won't be easing themselves into things.

France will provide a huge test in the Howden Lions Women's Cup, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30pm.

The historic fixture will also give Yapp one final chance to assess her squad before they face the world champion Black Ferns in September.

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Yapp believes the occasion will be a special moment for the players and supporters, while also providing a stern test ahead of the series against the Black Ferns.

"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."

Ben Calveley, CEO of the British & Irish Lions, described the announcement as a landmark moment for the organisation.

"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."

Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the significance of the fixture for the development of the women’s game.

"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."

Lions Women’s tour schedule

The fixture against France will serve as the final opportunity for supporters to see the Lions Women in action before the squad heads to New Zealand for the inaugural series.

The tour begins on Saturday 4 September, when the Lions face a Black Ferns XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei.

The team will then take on New Zealand in the first Test at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Saturday 11 September, before facing an Invitational XV at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Tuesday 14 September.

The second Test will take place in Wellington on Saturday 18 September, with the series concluding with the third and final Test at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday 25 September.