The British & Irish Lions have confirmed the full schedule for their historic first-ever women’s tour, with three blockbuster Tests against the Black Ferns set for New Zealand in 2027.
The landmark Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series will take place in September 2027, bringing one of rugby’s most iconic traditions to the women’s game for the very first time.
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A Historic First for the Women’s Game
For more than a century, the British & Irish Lions have represented the pinnacle of northern hemisphere rugby, bringing together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to tour the southern hemisphere.
In 2027, that tradition will finally be extended to women’s rugby.
The inaugural British & Irish Lions Women squad will feature players eligible to represent the women’s national teams of:
- England (Red Roses)
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Wales
The team will travel to New Zealand to face the reigning world champions in what promises to be one of the most significant moments in the history of women’s rugby.
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Full 2027 British & Irish Lions Women Tour Schedule
The fixture list for the inaugural tour was officially announced on 21 January 2026.
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| TBA | British & Irish Lions Women v TBA (Pre-tour fixture) | TBA |
| 4 September 2027 | Black Ferns XV v British & Irish Lions Women | Okara Park, Whangārei |
| 11 September 2027 | New Zealand v British & Irish Lions Women (1st Test) | Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland |
| 14 September 2027 | Invitational XV v British & Irish Lions Women | Waikato Stadium, Hamilton |
| 18 September 2027 | New Zealand v British & Irish Lions Women (2nd Test) | Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington |
| 25 September 2027 | New Zealand v British & Irish Lions Women (3rd Test) | Te Kaha, Christchurch |
Three-Test Series Against the Black Ferns
The centrepiece of the tour will be a three-match Test series against the formidable Black Ferns, one of the most successful sides in the history of the sport.
The Lions will also play:
Why This Tour Matters
The creation of the British & Irish Lions Women is widely regarded as a transformational moment for women’s rugby.
It provides:
- A new pinnacle for players from the Home Nations
- Increased global visibility for the women’s game
- Commercial and broadcasting opportunities
- A historic rivalry with the Black Ferns on one of rugby’s biggest stages
Much like the men’s Lions tours, the women’s series is expected to capture the imagination of supporters across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
RUCK Verdict
This is one of the most exciting developments in the history of women’s rugby.
The British & Irish Lions Women concept has long been discussed, but the confirmation of a 2027 tour to New Zealand makes it a reality. Facing the Black Ferns in a three-Test series ensures the team will be tested against the very best from the outset.
September 2027 will mark the beginning of a new era — and potentially the birth of one of rugby’s most iconic teams.
England’s Red Roses Partners Revealed Ahead of Six Nations Grand Slam Decider
Zoe Aldcroft & Luke Stratford
World Cup-winning captain Zoe Aldcroft shares a heartwarming rugby romance with her husband, Luke Stratford. The pair first met outside a nightclub in Gloucester, but their relationship truly blossomed when Luke cleverly booked physio sessions at the same time as Zoe before they officially got together.
The couple tied the knot in June 2024 at Hackness Grange in Scarborough. Zoe shared snaps of their special day on Instagram, captioning the post: “The best day of my life with the absolute love of my life.”
Their bond is strengthened by a shared love of rugby. Luke currently serves as the Women’s Scrum Coach at Sale Sharks, having previously coached Leicester Tigers Women.
Although Aldcroft was named England captain earlier in the year, she will miss the 2026 Six Nations as the couple prepare to welcome their first child. Speaking on the England Rugby Podcast: O2 Inside Line, she revealed that Luke was one of the first people she called after learning of her captaincy.
Hannah Botterman & Georgia Evans
Loosehead prop Hannah Botterman has found love across the Severn Bridge with Wales international Georgia Evans. Following her reported split from fellow Red Roses star Holly Aitchison, fans began speculating about the relationship after Evans was spotted supporting England during the recent tournament—most notably wearing a Red Roses shirt during the final.
The rumours have since been confirmed, with the cross-border couple now officially an item, proving that rugby rivalries stop at the touchline.
