The British and Irish Lions Women will make their debut against France at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday 27 August 2027. The fixture, named the Howden Lions Women's Cup, will give supporters their first opportunity to watch Jo Yapp's side on home soil before the squad departs for its inaugural tour of New Zealand. It marks the first match ever played by a Lions Women's team.
Head coach Yapp described the occasion as a unique sporting milestone and urged supporters to share it with the squad. In her assessment, France's determined defence and attacking threat make them suitable opponents for a team preparing to face New Zealand. Lions chief executive Ben Calveley likewise emphasised the French side's talent and experience, while describing Principality Stadium's rugby heritage as appropriate for the occasion. He said the organisation wanted to deliver a high-quality spectacle both on and off the pitch, with fans able to participate in a significant day for the Lions.
The tour opens against a Black Ferns XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei on Saturday 4 September. The first Test against the Black Ferns follows at Auckland's Go Media Stadium on Saturday 11 September. An Invitational XV will provide the opposition at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Tuesday 14 September, before the second Test in Wellington on Saturday 18 September. The three-match Test series will conclude at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday 25 September.
