British and Irish Lions reveal opponents for historic first women’s Test

Louis Chapman Coombe

14 Oct 2026 10:29 AM

Jo Yapp at a British and Irish Lions media event ahead of the 2027 Women's tour — British and Irish Lions Women's head coach Jo Yapp

The British and Irish Lions Women will play their first-ever Test against France at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, ahead of their inaugural tour later next year.

Head coach Jo Yapp will lead her squad out against Les Bleues on Friday, 27th August in the Welsh capital, before they head to New Zealand to take on the Black Ferns in a historic tour.

France will also present the Lions with a strong challenge, after finishing second behind the Red Roses in each of the past seven Six Nations campaigns and reaching the 2025 World Cup semi-final.

This will also be the third time the Lions have ever played on British soil, with the Men’s side playing at Murrayfield in 2021 and Dublin in 2025.

British and Irish Lions Women to face France in 2027 tour opener

Commenting on the confirmation of their first-ever fixture, head coach Yapp said: “There are moments in sport that only come around once – and this is one of them.

“For our British & Irish Lions Women’s team to step onto the field for the first time, on home soil and in front of our fans, is going to be incredibly special.

“France are the ideal team for an occasion like this. They bring a relentless defence and a real edge in attack. That’s exactly the challenge that we need before heading to New Zealand.

“I’d love to see everyone get behind the squad and share this milestone with us. It will be a moment in history.”

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Lions CEO, Ben Calveley, added: “We’re immensely proud to announce our first-ever British & Irish Lions Women’s fixture, in what is a monumental moment in Lions history.

“The Principality Stadium is a special venue with a rich rugby heritage, and it provides a fitting stage for such an occasion.

“With regards to our opposition, France are an outstanding side with a wealth of talent and experience, and they will present a huge test for Jo and her squad.

“We want to put on a show and create a spectacle of the highest level, both on and off the pitch. Our ambition is to provide an opportunity for the fans to be part of a truly special day.”

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Also commenting, Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) CEO, Abi Tierney, said: “The establishment of the British & Irish Lions Women’s team is a landmark moment for our game.

“The excitement and momentum behind women’s rugby has never been greater. To be able to welcome the inaugural Lions Women’s team to Cardiff for their home game at Principality Stadium, is something we are incredibly proud of.

“It promises to be a hugely important occasion for the players, our stadium and for women’s sport as a whole.”

Following the clash in Cardiff, the Lions then begin their tour of New Zealand with a game against a Black Ferns XV on Saturday, 4th September, with the Test series against the Black Ferns getting underway a week later on Saturday, 11th September.

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