One year to go until the Howden British & Irish Lions Women's Series
Today marks exactly one year until the Black Ferns XV kick off the inaugural Howden British & Irish Lions Women's Series, with the opening match in Whangārei on 4 September 2027. From there, the tour will move through Auckland for the first Test against the Black Ferns, Hamilton and Wellington before culminating in a blockbuster final Test at the new One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on 25 September 2027.
It's a historic moment for the women’s global game. For more than a century, The British & Irish Lions concept has been one of rugby's most iconic traditions on the men's side, bringing together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to tour the southern hemisphere. In 2027, a new chapter begins, with the first-ever Women’s tour bringing a five-match series across five New Zealand cities.
Watch: The British & Irish Lions Women's Series 2027 promotion
New Zealand Rugby General Manager Tournaments and Competitions Cameron Good says the timing couldn't be better for the sport.
"We're hugely excited about what's ahead. The inaugural Howden British & Irish Lions Women's Tour is a significant moment for rugby globally and a fantastic opportunity for New Zealand to get behind the Black Ferns and some of the world's best players.”
The tour at a glance:
- Saturday 4 September 2027 - The British & Irish Lions v Black Ferns XV, Whangārei
- Saturday 11 September 2027 – The British & Irish Lions v Black Ferns, Auckland
- Tuesday 14 September 2027 – The British & Irish Lions v Invitational XV, Hamilton
- Saturday 18 September 2027 – The British & Irish Lions v Black Ferns, Wellington
- Saturday 25 September 2027 – The British & Irish Lions v Black Ferns, Christchurch
With the Black Ferns set to play in the UK this September, expect the conversation about the historic Tour to build on both sides of the world in the months ahead, right up until the Lions touch down in New Zealand in 2027.
The British and Irish Lions Women's Tour 2027 is proudly supported by the New Zealand Government.
