The British and Irish Lions have formally confirmed their inaugural Women’s Tour — and with England crowned world champions at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, expectations are already running high for a squad that looks set to be filled with Red Roses.
The tour will take place in September 2027 in New Zealand, featuring three Test matches against the Black Ferns, plus additional pre‑Test fixtures, in the same way that has been seen for the historic men's tour. It is another piece of exciting news after what has been a very good summer for women's rugby, led by the Red Roses' triumph at the World Cup.
Because of their dominance among the four nations, this predicted Lions 23 for 2027is very England-heavy, however we have included at least one player from each of them.
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Starting XV:
15 Ellie Kildunne (England)
A dazzling game-changer from fullback, Kildunne brings explosive attacking flair, unmatched running meters, and the kind of big-match temperament that lifts entire teams.
14 Abby Dow (England)
Lethal with every touch, Dow is a prolific try-scorer whose strike rate is as terrifying as her fend; a winger built for moments that decide games.
13 Megan Jones (England)
A complete centre with silky footwork and ferocious defence, Jones blends creativity with control and proved unplayable during England’s World Cup triumph.
12 Tatyana Heard (England)
A hard-carrying centre who thrives in contact, Heard offers direct, physical midfield presence and rock-solid defence that complements flair players outside her.
11 Francesca McGhie (Scotland)
An electric finisher with both grace and grit, McGhie is a back-three threat who brings relentless energy and big-run potential in open play.
10 Zoe Harrison (England)
A composed, tactical general at fly-half, Harrison brings calm under pressure and an adaptable kicking game that suits any style the Lions might adopt.
9 Natasha Hunt (England)
With vision, tempo and flair, Hunt delivers fast, intelligent service and keeps defences guessing—an experienced nine who can set a Lions backline alight.
1 Hannah Botterman (England)
A dynamic prop who combines scrummaging power with back-row agility, Botterman is a cornerstone of the pack and a menace in the loose.
2 Amy Cokayne (England)
Cokayne brings physical dominance, a ferocious work rate, and scoring instincts rarely seen in a hooker—she’s a wrecking ball in red.
3 Maud Muir (England)
Powerful at the set piece and increasingly influential in open play, Muir’s scrummaging strength and versatility across the front row are invaluable on tour.
4 Zoe Aldcroft – Captain (England)
A commanding presence and born leader, Aldcroft’s blend of breakdown mastery, lineout efficiency, and authority makes her the natural choice as skipper.
5 Abbie Ward (England)
The engine of England’s scrum, Ward is the master of lineout timing and tight-five toughness—a lock who gives structure and bite.
6 Alex Matthews (England)
A relentless workhorse with elite rugby IQ, Matthews glides through games doing the unseen hard yards and delivering in key moments when it counts.
7 Sadia Kabeya (England)
A defensive titan and tireless presence across the park, Kabeya led the World Cup in tackles and plays every game like it’s her last.
8 Evie Gallagher (Scotland)
A rising star in the Scottish pack, Gallagher brings aggression, dynamism and a nose for disruption at the back of the scrum. She had a very strong World Cup and could well end up getting a chance for the Lions in 2027.
Replacements:
16 Neve Jones (Ireland)
A fierce competitor with an explosive style, Jones is fearless in contact, tenacious at the breakdown, and always brings a spark off the bench.
17 Gwenllian Pyrs (Wales)
Powerful and dependable, Pyrs is a strong scrummager who brings go-forward ball and adds valuable front-row depth to the touring party.
18 Sarah Bern (England)
An explosive tighthead who thrives in big moments, Bern brings unmatched carrying power and set-piece muscle—an ideal impact sub or starter.
19 Morwenna Talling (England)
Reliable, tough, and still improving, Talling offers defensive solidity and aerial prowess with a cool head under pressure.
20 Erin King (Ireland)
Energetic and fearless, King is a dynamic flanker who brings youthful aggression, pace, and the ability to turn defence into attack in a heartbeat.
21 Keira Bevan (Wales)
An experienced scrum-half who controls tempo with precision, Bevan provides tactical balance and brings composure when the game gets tight.
22 Holly Aitchison (England)
Versatile, calm and creative, Aitchison offers playmaking options at 10 or 12 and brings an assured kicking game off the bench.
23 Jess Breach (England)
A lethal finisher with world-class pace and spatial awareness, Breach is a constant try threat and game-breaker waiting to be unleashed.
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