British Lions to Make History in Cardiff with First Game

The British and Irish Lions will play a historic first women’s fixture when they face France at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium before their 2027 tour to New Zealand.
Jo Yapp’s side will face the French, ranked fourth in the world, in the Welsh capital on Friday, 27 August (19:30 BST).
The Lions face a Black Ferns XV the following weekend in Whangarei before the first of three Tests with New Zealand on 11 September.
“There are moments in sport that only come around once – and this is one of them,” said head coach Yapp.
“For our British and Irish Lions Women’s team to step on to the field for the first time, on home soil and in front of our fans, is going to be incredibly special.”
Men’s Lions tours, featuring players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, have taken place since 1888.
The women will travel to New Zealand for a five-match tour that features Tests in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Yapp’s side will hope for a send-off in front of a bumper Cardiff crowd.
“It will be a tremendous rugby match and occasion,” said Carol Isherwood, chair of the Lions women’s committee.
“It’s a chance to grow the game and leave a legacy so that we are able to continue with the Lions team by setting the foundations and give everybody the chance to see the women’s game at its very best.”