The British & Irish Lions women's team will play their historic first ever match against France at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on August 27, 2026, at 7.30pm. The game serves as a warm-up ahead of their tour of New Zealand and marks the first time the Lions' women's side will play a Test match.
Tour Schedule and Venues
The tour begins on Saturday 4 September when the Lions Women face a Black Ferns XV at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, before the first Test against the Black Ferns at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Saturday 11 September. The Lions will then take on an Invitational XV at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Tuesday 14 September, followed by the second Test in Wellington on Saturday 18 September. The series concludes with the third and final Test at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday 25 September.
Quotes from Key Figures
“There are moments in sport that only come around once - and this is one of them,” said Jo Yapp, the Lions Women's head coach. “For our British & Irish Lions Women’s team to step onto the field for the first time, on home soil and in front of our fans, is going to be incredibly special.”
Yapp added: “France are the ideal team for an occasion like this. They bring a relentless defence and a real edge in attack. That’s exactly the challenge that we need before heading to New Zealand. I’d love to see everyone get behind the squad and share this milestone with us. It will be a moment in history.”
Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney also commented: “The establishment of the British & Irish Lions Women’s team is a landmark moment for our game. The excitement and momentum behind women’s rugby has never been greater. To be able to welcome the inaugural Lions Women’s team to Cardiff for their home game at Principality Stadium, is something we are incredibly proud of. It promises to be a hugely important occasion for the players, our stadium and for women’s sport as a whole.”
Full Fixture List
- 27 August: Cardiff, Principality Stadium, v France
- 4 September: Whangārei, Semenoff Stadium, v Black Ferns XV
- 11 September: First Test - Auckland, Go Media Stadium, v Black Ferns
- 14 September: Hamilton, FMG Stadium Waikato, v Invitational XV
- 18 September: Second Test - Wellington, Sky Stadium, v Black Ferns
- 25 September: Third Test - Christchurch, One NZ Stadium, v Black Ferns
Yapp's side will aim to attract a large crowd at the home of Welsh rugby before departing for New Zealand, as the team marks a significant milestone in the sport's history.
