Women’s rugby is preparing for a landmark night, with the British & Irish Lions Women set to play their first-ever match against France in Cardiff. The fixture will be a major moment for Ireland rugby and the wider game across the four home nations.
British & Irish Lions Women to make history in Cardiff
The Howden Lions Women’s Cup will take place at Principality Stadium on Friday, 27 August, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30pm. It will be the first match played by a British & Irish Lions Women’s team and will give supporters an opportunity to see Jo Yapp’s squad in action before the side travels to New Zealand for its inaugural tour in 2027.
France will provide a demanding opening opponent. Their reputation for aggressive defence and attacking quality makes the Cardiff contest a serious test rather than simply a celebratory occasion. For the Lions, it will be an opportunity to establish their identity and build confidence before a historic series against New Zealand.
A significant step for women’s rugby
The creation of the Lions Women’s team represents an important development in international rugby. The British & Irish Lions has long been one of the sport’s most recognisable touring sides, and extending that tradition to the women’s game creates a new platform for players from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
For Irish supporters, the fixture adds another major event to the calendar alongside Ireland rugby fixtures, the Women’s Six Nations and the growing programme of women’s sport. It also reflects the increasing profile of women’s rugby in Ireland, where interest continues to grow at international, provincial and grassroots level.
“There are moments in sport that only come around once,” said Lions Women head coach Jo Yapp. She described the first match as an incredibly special occasion and said France would provide the challenge the team needs before travelling to New Zealand.
New Zealand tour will follow Cardiff launch
The Cardiff game is scheduled to serve as a send-off before the Lions Women begin their first tour of New Zealand. The programme opens on Saturday, 4 September, against a Black Ferns XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei.
The first Test against New Zealand will then take place at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Saturday, 11 September. The tour itinerary continues with an Invitational XV in Hamilton on Tuesday, 14 September, before the second Test in Wellington on Saturday, 18 September.
The series will conclude in Christchurch on Saturday, 25 September, when the Lions face the Black Ferns in the third and final Test. The schedule gives the squad a demanding sequence of matches against one of the most respected teams in women’s rugby.
Why the France fixture matters
- First appearance: It will be the inaugural match for the British & Irish Lions Women.
- Top-level opposition: France will test the Lions’ defence, decision-making and attacking structure.
- Home support: Principality Stadium provides a major stage for the team’s launch.
- Tour preparation: The match offers valuable preparation before the New Zealand series.
- Visibility for women’s sport: The occasion is expected to strengthen the profile of women’s rugby across the British Isles.
Tickets and supporter information
Tickets for the Howden Lions Women’s Cup are available from £20 for adults and £10 for children. A group offer is also available for supporters buying 10 or more adult tickets.
Fans purchasing during the first 48 hours will have the chance to win a hospitality upgrade for two people. The ticket initiative is designed to encourage families, clubs and supporters’ groups to attend what promises to be a significant night in rugby history.
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What to watch next
The immediate focus will be on how Jo Yapp shapes her first Lions Women squad and how the team handles the pressure of a historic debut. France’s intensity should provide an early indication of the Lions’ defensive organisation and attacking ambitions.
After Cardiff, attention will turn to New Zealand and the first-ever Lions Women’s series. The journey begins with a historic home fixture, but the bigger challenge will be turning that moment into a competitive touring team capable of testing the Black Ferns across three Tests.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
