In a milestone announcement for the progression of women’s rugby, it was announced today that a women’s British & Irish Lions tour will take place in 2027. The best women’s rugby players from across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will wear the iconic red jersey, and take on the Black Ferns of New Zealand in a three match test series.
The tour will be officially known as the Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series, and will take place in September 2027. The tour will follow the same principle format of previous men’s Lions tours, with a best of three series against the hosts, as well as ‘pre-Test fixtures’. The opponents for these non-test matches are as yet unconfirmed, but we expect them to be the four Super Rugby Aupiki sides; Blues Women, Hurricanes Poua, Chiefs Manawa and Matatu.
With the tour taking place in three years time, it is difficult to predict as to who will be starring for their countries in the run-up to selection. Injuries can often curtail the best laid plans, and the stars of tomorrow’s Lions may have not yet even been introduced to test match rugby. However, we have decided to dust off the crystal ball and give it our best shot, as we predict the 2027 British & Irish Lions Women’s squad, for the ground-breaking tour to New Zealand.
BACK THREE
15. Ellie Kildunne (England and Harlequins)
14. Abby Dow (England and Trailfinders Women)
11. Francesca McGhie (Scotland and Leicester Tigers)
CENTRES
13. Tatyana Heard (England and Gloucester-Hartpury)
12. Helen Nelson (Scotland and Loughborough Lightning)
HALFBACKS
10. Holly Aitchison (England and Bristol Bears)
9. Keira Bevan (Wales and Bristol Bears)
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