By:
Conor Martin
The Women’s British & Irish Lions have announced the host cities for their historic first tour of New Zealand in 2027, a landmark moment for women’s rugby.
Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch will each play host to the touring side as they take on the reigning New Zealand national team in a three-test series, marking an exciting new chapter in the sport as the Women’s British & Irish Lions team make their debut.
The tour kicks off on September 4th with a warm-up match against a New Zealand XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei. Similarly, their male counterparts played an AUNZ Invitational XV last year during their warm-up for their series against Australia
History will be made in 2027 🦁#WeGoBeyond pic.twitter.com/1hXkhX7IZD
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 21, 2026
The first-ever Women’s British & Irish Lions test match will be held in Auckland
This initial fixture will allow the Lions to adjust to local conditions, build team chemistry, and fine-tune their strategies ahead of the series. Just a week later, the first official test will take place at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium, promising a thrilling clash as the Lions face one of the strongest rugby nations in the world.
The Lions will then face an Invitational XV at FMG Stadium Waikato on September 14th, providing a final chance to sharpen their play before the second test.
That match is scheduled for September 18th at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, giving fans in the capital the opportunity to witness world-class women’s rugby in one of New Zealand’s premier sporting venues and hopefully the women’s side lift silverware for the first time.
The tour will conclude with the third test in Christchurch, ensuring audiences across the country can experience this historic series firsthand.
Spanning three iconic cities, the 2027 tour promises more than just rugby. It represents the continued rise of women’s rugby on the global stage, delivering thrilling competition, unforgettable moments, and inspiration for the next generation of players.
With anticipation building ahead of the Lions’ inaugural journey, the tour is set to be a defining moment in the history of women’s rugby, showcasing elite athleticism, international rivalry, and the growing power of the women’s game worldwide.
2027 Lions fixtures confirmed! 🦁
We are thrilled to announce our fixture schedule for the first ever Howden Lions Women’s Series across New Zealand 🏟️
Five cities, five matches, one historic Tour 🙌 #Lions2027 #WeGoBeyond pic.twitter.com/6X3zUihOPF
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 21, 2026
Lions CEO looks ahead to inaugural women’s tour
Following the confirmation of venues and dates for next year’s tour, British & Irish Lions CEO Ben Calveley said: “This announcement makes our first-ever tour feel closer for everyone, from fans planning their trip to players dreaming of pulling on the Lions jersey.
“New Zealand will offer a fantastic stage and we are excited to take the Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series from North to South and create something truly special for the women’s game.”
Categories
- Athletics (5)
- Aussie Rules (1)
- Basketball (12)
- Camogie (3)
- College American football (1)
- Combat (185)
- Cricket (17)
- Cycling (4)
- Darts (36)
- Editors-picks (13)
- Football (1210)
- Formula-1 (14)
- GAA (308)
- Golf (162)
- Hockey (1)
- Horse Racing (172)
- interviews (3)
- LGFA (3)
- MLB Baseball (2)
- NFL (23)
- ROI Radar (1)
- Rowing (1)
- Rugby (188)
- Snooker (6)
- Swimming (3)
- Tennis (17)
- Uncategorized (17)
- WWE (1)
