The British and Irish Lions are set to make history with their first-ever women’s tour of New Zealand, featuring three Tests across the country’s premier rugby venues. This landmark 2027 tour promises to be a defining moment for women’s rugby, bringing international attention and showcasing elite talent from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Tour Overview

The Lions’ inaugural women’s tour kicks off with a warm-up match against a Black Ferns XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei on 4 September 2027. Following this, the team will move south to play the first Test on 11 September at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, a notable choice over the city’s more famous Eden Park.

After a midweek encounter against an Invitational XV at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on 14 September, the Lions will face the second Test at Sky Stadium in Wellington on 18 September. The tour concludes with the final Test at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on 25 September.

“This tour is a hugely significant milestone for the women’s game and will create something truly special,” said British and Irish Lions CEO Ben Calveley.

Full Women’s Lions Tour Schedule

• 4 Sept: Black Ferns XV, Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei
• 11 Sept: First Test, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
• 14 Sept: Invitational XV, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
• 18 Sept: Second Test, Sky Stadium, Wellington
• 25 Sept: Third Test, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

(Kick-off times to be confirmed)

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Venue Selections and Strategic Decisions

The decision to exclude Eden Park, New Zealand rugby’s iconic home, reflects a strategic approach to growing the women’s game sustainably. While the stadium has hosted sold-out events like the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup final, the Lions’ organizers opted for venues that match expected audience sizes while ensuring fans across the country can experience international rugby.

“Starting in the north and finishing in the south was deliberate, to make sure as many parts of the country as possible can get involved,” said Steve Lancaster, acting CEO of New Zealand Rugby.
“Fans will see international rugby of this calibre in some of New Zealand’s most iconic venues—an unmissable experience.”

The tour format reflects the current scale of women’s professional rugby, avoiding the logistical pressures of staging matches in stadiums designed for 50,000 spectators. It also allows flexibility in midweek fixtures, such as the Invitational XV in Hamilton, which could feature Super Rugby Aupiki teams or a Barbarians-style selection.

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Competitive Context

The 2027 Lions will face a competitive, though evolving, New Zealand side. After winning six of the previous seven Women’s Rugby World Cups, New Zealand failed to make the final in 2025, falling to Canada in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, world champions England are currently dominant, holding the top spot in world rankings, winning the last seven Six Nations tournaments, and defeating New Zealand in their last three meetings, including a decisive 33-12 victory at Go Media Stadium two years ago.

The tour promises intriguing matchups, offering a rare opportunity to see the world’s top teams compete outside of a World Cup setting, while also testing the emerging depth of international women’s rugby.

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Building the Legacy: A Live Case Study

The 2027 tour is not intended to mirror the men’s Lions tours in scale or spectacle. Instead, it will establish a blueprint for future women’s Lions tours, balancing competitive integrity, fan engagement, and the unique growth trajectory of the women’s game.

While there may be challenges—such as overlapping dates with the men’s 2027 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches in Australia—the tour is expected to carve out its own identity. The “sea of red” associated with men’s Lions tours will not define this first women’s iteration; instead, it will serve as a live case study for how women’s international tours can succeed in the professional era.

The announcement has already sparked discussion about key roles, including the first Women’s Lions head coach, and generated excitement among traveling fans eager to follow the team to New Zealand.

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Significance for Women’s Rugby

The inaugural women’s Lions tour represents more than just a series of matches—it is a major milestone for global women’s rugby. It will provide players with invaluable international experience, engage fans across New Zealand and the UK & Ireland, and inspire a new generation of rugby athletes.

By hosting games across multiple regions, organizers aim to maximize participation, media coverage, and the legacy impact of the tour. The event also highlights the growing profile of women’s rugby and the potential for commercial, sporting, and cultural growth in the years ahead.

“This is something truly special,” said Lancaster. “Fans should start planning to be part of history as the Women’s Lions make their mark on New Zealand rugby.”