- The First-Ever Women’s Lions Tour 2027: Dates & Location
- Why is this tour a historic milestone?
- Comparison: Men's vs Women's Tour
- Match Schedule and Fixtures (2027)
- British & Irish Lions Women’s Series 2027
- How to Get Tickets for the 2027 Women’s Lions Tour
- Estimated Tour Prices
- Potential Squad: Who Will Play for the Women’s Lions?
- Travel Guide for Fans in New Zealand
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
There are tours… and then there are THE tours. What’s in store for 2027 isn’t just another event on the global rugby calendar: it will be history in the making. The birth of a new tradition with the first Women’s British & Irish Lions Tour, taking on the mighty Black Ferns on their home turf: New Zealand.
If you’re looking for a simple breaking news update, this isn’t the place for you. But if you’re looking for the definitive guide to the 2027 Women’s Lions Tour—complete with background, team insights, and practical travel tips—make yourself comfortable. You’re in the right place.
The First-Ever Women’s Lions Tour 2027: Dates & Location
The British & Irish Lions women’s tour will take place in September 2027. The setting could be none other than New Zealand, the mecca of rugby.
Facing the Black Ferns—the most successful and dominant women’s national team on the planet—is the ultimate rite of passage. For the Lionesses, it means making their debut on the toughest stage possible, but with the prestige that only this jersey can bestow.
Why is this tour a historic milestone?
- Foundation: It is the first official tour since the team’s creation in 2024.
- Professionalization: It marks a turning point in the commercial growth of women’s rugby.
- Legacy: It establishes a cycle of regular tours every four years, mirroring the men’s model.
Comparison: Men’s vs Women’s Tour
| Aspect | Men’s Lions | Women’s Lions 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| History | Since 1888 137 years | Since 2024 Inaugural tour |
| Frequency | Every 4 years |
Developing cycle
First tour in 2027
|
| Main Rival |
All Blacks
|
Black Ferns
|
| 2027 Host |
Australia 2025
Past Event
|
New Zealand 2027
|
Match Schedule and Fixtures (2027)
British & Irish Lions Women’s Series 2027
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
|
4 September
Saturday
|
Black Ferns XV
Development
|
Semenoff Stadium
🇳🇿 Whangārei
📍 map
|
|
11 September
Saturday
|
Black Ferns
Test Match
|
Go Media Stadium
🇳🇿 Auckland
📍 map
|
|
14 September
Tuesday
|
Invitational XV
Invitational
|
FMG Stadium Waikato
🇳🇿 Hamilton
📍 map
|
|
18 September
Saturday
|
Black Ferns
Test Match
|
Sky Stadium
🇳🇿 Wellington
📍 map
|
|
25 September
Saturday
|
Black Ferns
Test Match
|
One NZ Stadium
🇳🇿 Christchurch
📍 map
|
Although the official schedule for the Women’s British and Irish Lions squad is still being finalized, the main venues in New Zealand are already gearing up.
Probable Venues
- Auckland (Eden Park): The sanctuary where major titles are decided.
- Christchurch: The heartland of rugby on the South Island.
- Wellington: The perfect setting for decisive Test matches.
Tour Structure: A series of warm-up matches against New Zealand regional franchises (similar to Super Rugby Aupiki) is expected before the three-Test series against the Black Ferns.
How to Get Tickets for the 2027 Women’s Lions Tour
With anticipation at an all-time high, securing tickets for the 2027 Women’s Lions Tour will require speed and strategy.
- Early Registration: will open waiting lists. Register now to receive priority alerts.
- Phased Sales: There will first be a presale for club members and season ticket holders, followed by general sales.
- Travel Packages: These are usually the safest option. They include guaranteed tickets, accommodations, and local transportation within New Zealand.
Estimated Tour Prices
Potential Squad: Who Will Play for the Women’s Lions?
The debate over who will make the trip to Auckland has already begun. Here are the players who, based on their current form in the Six Nations, are the favorites:
- England: Helena Rowland (her creativity is vital) and captain Marlie Packer.
- Ireland: Aoife Wafer’s power and Enya Breen’s control.
- Scotland: Rachel Malcolm’s leadership and Emma Wassell’s physical presence.
- Wales: Hannah Jones’s offensive talent and Keira Bevan’s vision.
Travel Guide for Fans in New Zealand
If you’re traveling to see the Women’s Lions Rugby Tour, New Zealand has much more to offer than just stadiums.
- Logistics: Rent a campervan. It’s the most authentic and flexible way to follow the tour between cities.
- Weather: September marks the start of spring; be prepared for “four seasons in one day.”
- Sightseeing: Take advantage of the days between matches to visit Queenstown (adventure) or Rotorua (Māori culture).
