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British and Irish Lions women’s head coach Joe Yap has insisted that the squad for next year’s opening tour of New Zealand will include players from each of the four unions, not just the Red Roses.
Yap has been appointed head coach for the three-Test series against New Zealand in September 2027, emerging as the standout candidate from a seven-strong shortlist.
Among the challenges Yapp faces is striking the right balance between the four nations in his playing team.
England are expected to crown the recently-crowned Grand Slam champions for the fifth consecutive year, extending their winning streak to 38 Tests for the touring and Test team.
Yap is confident that the stars of Ireland, Wales and Scotland will also make a compelling case for their selection.
“It’s really important from the Lions’ point of view that we’re picking the best players,” he said Sky Sports.
“The Lions is about picking the best players across the four unions. We can’t shy away from that, it’s really important to do that. If you’re on that tour, you want to know you’re there because you’re the best player.
“England has obviously dominated but looking at the Six Nations and the leagues, there are a lot of great, talented players in other unions as well.
“Over the next 18 months, I’m sure they’ll take the opportunity to express themselves and put their hands up.
Former England captain Jo Yap will lead the British and Irish Lions Women on their tour of New Zealand
“There are people coming back from pregnancy, from fitness, from injury, so it’s really important that we keep an open mind.”
To give the Lions the best possible chance against the Black Ferns, former England captain Yap is drawing on Farrell’s experience after masterminding a 2-1 series win by the Lions men’s team against Australia in 2025.
“Andy was very open, which was really nice,” said Yap, who currently heads England’s women’s track.
“One of the things he talked about is when you’re putting your staff together, you get the right people, people you can trust and work with. That’s hugely important.
“It’s really important that we draw on the experience of those who have gone before us and pick their brains. It would be foolish not to use that experience.”
The Lions will play two more matches in New Zealand, one against the Black Ferns XV and one against the Invitational XV
Before the squad leaves for the southern hemisphere, talks are underway for a warm-up match against France to be hosted by one of the four home nations.
Lions chief executive Ben Calvelli revealed that future tours to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia are not tied to the men’s rotation, raising the possibility that France and Canada could become future destinations for the women.
Howden British & Irish Lions Women Series: 2027 Schedule
Kick off time TBC
- Saturday, September 4 – Black Ferns v Howden British & Irish Lions – Semenough Stadium, Whangarei
- Saturday 11 September – Black Ferns v Howden British & Irish Lions (1st Test) – Go Media Stadium, Auckland
- Tuesday 14 September – Invitational XV v Howden British & Irish Lions – FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
- Saturday 18 September – Black Ferns v Howden British & Irish Lions (2nd Test) – Sky Stadium, Wellington
- Saturday 25 September – Black Ferns v Howden British & Irish Lions (Third Test) – One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
