Jo Yap: Former England captain named as the first Lions women’s coach

Former England captain Jo Yap says she wants to “build something really special” after being named as the first British and Irish Lions female coach for next year’s opening tour of New Zealand.

Yap won 70 caps as a scrum-half and went to three World Cups, leading the Red Roses to the 2006 decider.

After spells with England Women’s Under-20s, Worcester Warriors Women and the Barbarians, she led Australia to the last eight of last year’s World Cup before returning to England. to take the role Women lead the way.

The Lions Women begin their tour with a warm-up match against the Black Ferns XV in Whangarei on September 4 before three Tests in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

“To lead the first British and Irish Lions women’s team is an incredible honor and something I am extremely proud of,” said the 46-year-old.

“The Lions represent the very best of our game and this tour of New Zealand is an opportunity to build something truly special and help shape the future of women’s rugby for years to come.

“I know from experience how challenging it is to face the Black Ferns on home soil but that challenge is what makes this tour so exciting.

“There is a wealth of talent across the four unions (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) and I look forward to bringing together the best players to represent the Lions in 2027.”

Yap will work part-time for the Lions from July, before taking full-time leave from the RFU to work full-time as the Lions’ head coach from January.

British and Irish Lions chief executive Ben Calverley said: “Joe’s range of experience across the UK club game and the international women’s game in the southern hemisphere makes her an outstanding candidate for this role.

“His vision for bringing together players from four unions was very compelling and we are thrilled to welcome him on board.

“For a moment that represents such a step for the game, it was important to us that this appointment fulfills our desire to grow and support all aspects of the women’s game, including the promotion of female coaches.

“We are delighted to have appointed Joe, who we believe will excite players and fans alike as we move towards New Zealand in 2027.”