British and Irish Lions Women to face France in first match

Key points

• The British and Irish Lions Women's team will play its first-ever match against France on Friday August 27 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
• The match is part of the Howden Lions Women's Cup and precedes the inaugural Tour to New Zealand in 2027.
• The New Zealand tour includes three Tests against the Black Ferns, starting September 11 in Auckland and ending September 25 in Christchurch.

The British and Irish Lions Women's team will play its first-ever match against France at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday August 27. The fixture, part of the Howden Lions Women's Cup, gives fans a first chance to see head coach Jo Yapp's side before the inaugural Tour to New Zealand in 2027.

New Zealand tour schedule

The New Zealand tour starts on Saturday September 4 when the Lions Women face a Black Ferns XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei. The historic first Test against the Black Ferns follows on Saturday September 11 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

The Lions then play an Invitational XV at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Tuesday September 14. The second Test is in Wellington on Saturday September 18, and the series ends with the third Test at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday September 25.

There are moments in sport that only come around once - and this is one of them.

— Jo Yapp

What officials said

Jo Yapp said the France match is a once-in-a-lifetime moment and called it "incredibly special" for the team to step onto the field for the first time at home. She said France, with a relentless defence and edge in attack, are the ideal challenge before New Zealand.

Ben Calveley, CEO of The British and Irish Lions, said the first-ever Women's fixture is a monumental moment in Lions history. He said Principality Stadium's rugby heritage makes it a fitting stage and that France will present a huge test for Yapp's squad.