Women's Lions Make History with 2027 New Zealand Tour

Women's rugby is writing a new chapter as the British and Irish Lions announced venues for their first-ever women's tour to New Zealand in September 2027.

The historic tour kicks off with a warm-up match against a Black Ferns XV in Whangarei on September 4. From there, the Lions will travel through New Zealand's rugby heartland, playing three Tests in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch over three weeks.

Auckland's Go Media Stadium hosts the opening Test on September 11, followed by a midweek match in Hamilton. Wellington's Sky Stadium takes the second Test on September 18, with the series finale at Christchurch's One NZ Stadium on September 25.

The tour represents a massive step forward for women's rugby, which has seen explosive growth in recent years. England's dominant performances and New Zealand's passionate rugby culture set the stage for compelling competition.

Ben Calveley, Lions chief executive, called the tour "a hugely significant milestone" that will "create something truly special for the women's game." The scheduling deliberately moves from north to south, giving rugby fans across New Zealand a chance to witness history.

The Ripple Effect

This tour does more than add another fixture to the calendar. It establishes a new tradition that future generations of female rugby players can aspire to join, just as their male counterparts have for over a century.

The tour also creates a blueprint for women's Lions rugby going forward. Organizers are learning what works for women's sports markets, from stadium sizes to scheduling, building a foundation for decades of future tours.

Young girls watching from the stands or their homes will see world-class female athletes representing four nations in rugby's most prestigious touring format. That visibility matters in ways that extend far beyond the pitch.

The competitive matchup looks promising too. England currently dominates world rankings with seven straight Six Nations titles, while New Zealand's rugby heritage guarantees fierce competition despite recent World Cup disappointment.

Rugby fans have three years to plan their trips, secure tickets, and prepare to witness the birth of a tradition that will inspire female athletes for generations to come.