The first British & Irish Lions Women’s Tour is moving from long-held ambition to reality, with tickets now available for three historic Test matches against the Black Ferns in New Zealand. For supporters following sports Ireland and the continued rise of women’s rugby, September 2027 promises to be a landmark month.
The tour will unite leading players from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales for the Lions’ first women’s campaign. It will feature three Tests against New Zealand, along with two additional tour fixtures, as the team travels from Whangārei in the North Island to Christchurch in the South Island.
Ireland Rugby Fans Can Now Plan for a Historic Tour
Tickets for the three Test matches in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch went on sale on 30 September 2026. The opening fixture in Whangārei and the tour match in Hamilton will be released for sale in early 2027.
The schedule begins at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei on 4 September, where the Lions Women will face a Black Ferns XV. The first official Test follows in Auckland, before an Invitational XV provides the opposition in Hamilton.
The tour then moves to Wellington for another Test against the Black Ferns, with the series concluding at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on 25 September. The itinerary gives supporters across New Zealand several opportunities to see the new Lions team take shape.
- 4 September: Black Ferns XV v Lions Women, Whangārei
- Auckland: First Test against the Black Ferns
- Hamilton: Lions Women v Invitational XV
- Wellington: Second Test against the Black Ferns
- 25 September: Final Test in Christchurch
Affordable tickets designed to bring in new supporters
Promotional pricing is available for a limited period as organisers look to make the inaugural tour accessible to families. Selected children’s tickets cost $1, while adult tickets begin at $27. Availability and conditions may vary by venue, so supporters should check the official Lions ticketing information before booking.
A Major Step for Irish and British Women’s Rugby
The tour is more than a new entry on the rugby calendar. It creates a high-profile international platform for players from the four home unions and gives women’s rugby its own Lions story, identity and traditions.
Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen described the occasion as an important moment for the team and the wider women’s game. New Zealand will host a group of players drawn from four unions, bringing together different rugby cultures and playing styles in a competitive Test environment.
For Ireland, the tour offers another route for the country’s leading players to perform on an international stage. Irish supporters will be watching closely as selection discussions develop, particularly after the growth of the women’s game and the increasing attention on Ireland rugby fixtures, squad depth and player development.
British & Irish Lions Women head coach Jo Yapp also underlined the significance of leading the first team. She acknowledged the challenge of facing the Black Ferns in their own country, while pointing to the talent available across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The competitive demands will be considerable. New Zealand’s Black Ferns have established themselves as one of the benchmark sides in women’s rugby, and home advantage will add another layer to the contest. The Lions, meanwhile, must build cohesion quickly from players who normally compete as international rivals.
Why the Lions Women’s Tour matters
- It is the first British & Irish Lions tour for a women’s team.
- Players from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales will represent one side.
- The programme includes three Tests and two tour matches.
- It gives women’s rugby a major new international showcase.
- It creates a lasting legacy for future Lions generations.
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What to Watch Before the 2027 Series
The immediate focus will be on ticket demand and the eventual make-up of the Lions squad. Supporters will also want to track the form of Ireland’s leading players, the development of the national women’s team and the coaching decisions that shape the four-union selection process.
The tour should also strengthen connections between elite rugby and the grassroots game. More prominent women’s fixtures can help inspire young players, support local clubs and create new interest in the pathway from youth rugby to international competition.
Lions Rugby Travel is offering ticket-inclusive travel packages for supporters who want to attend the tour as part of an organised experience. Details are available through the official Lions website.
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The Next Chapter Starts in New Zealand
The sale of tickets marks the first public milestone for a team that has not yet played a match. By September 2027, the Lions Women will have the chance to establish new traditions, test themselves against the Black Ferns and give supporters a historic sporting occasion to remember.
For sports Ireland audiences, the message is clear: this is a tour worth planning for. The next stage will be the build-up to selection, as players from Ireland and the other home unions compete for places in the first Lions Women squad.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
