The British and Irish Lions Women will make their debut against France at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday, August 27, 2027. Named the Howden Lions Women's Cup, the fixture will give supporters their first opportunity to watch head coach Jo Yapp's side on home soil before its inaugural tour of New Zealand. Yapp described the occasion as a unique milestone and urged fans to share it with the squad.
France's defensive intensity and attacking threat make them suitable opponents for the team's preparation, according to Yapp. Lions chief executive Ben Calveley also emphasized the French side's talent and experience, describing the fixture as a major challenge. He highlighted Principality Stadium's rugby heritage and said the organization wanted to create a high-quality occasion both on and off the field, with supporters able to participate in a significant day for the Lions.
The New Zealand itinerary opens against a Black Ferns XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei on September 4. The first Test against the Black Ferns follows at Auckland's Go Media Stadium on September 11. An Invitational XV will then provide the opposition at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on September 14, before the second Test takes place in Wellington on September 18. The three-Test series concludes at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on September 25. The Cardiff fixture therefore precedes a tour comprising two additional matches alongside the three Tests against the Black Ferns.
