British and Irish Lions to make historic first women's tour of New Zealand / Photo: Marty MELVILLE - AFP/File
-
Top-ranked Rybakina crushes Fernandez to win fourth title of season
-
Police made 1,314 arrests in France's protests: government
-
UK PM calls for 'honest discussion' about EU free movement
-
Catlin to make Masters debut after cruising to Hong Kong win
-
Far-right leader Le Pen kicks off tilt at French presidency amid nationwide protests
-
Katsuragawa hails 'greatest moment' with South Korea win
-
Naomi Osaka could quit tennis if daughter asks her to
-
Japan's Yoshida wins first LPGA Tour title with South Korea win
-
Last MotoGP race at Phillip Island cancelled due to weather in Marquez setback
-
Comeback kings Brewers down Rays to take 2-0 World Series lead
-
Sri Lanka seeks faster green energy shift after oil shocks
-
Sri Lankan turbine project fuels anger as fish hauls plunge
-
Riyadh airport resumes flights following Houthi attacks
-
No LeBron, no problem as Sixers roll on
-
'Call of Duty' North Korea invasion edition tops sales charts in South
-
Israel to close all land crossings with West Bank on election day
-
Musk accuses Ukraine of violating Starlink's terms of service
-
'Tech debt coming due': AI-found flaw signals chaos ahead
-
Fed expected to hold rates steady days ahead of US midterms
-
Stop-motion 'Wildwood' showcases 'human creativity' in AI age
-
More Lula, or back to the Bolsonaros? Brazil votes in cliffhanger
-
Expo Contratista Announces 10th Edition in Dallas, Spotlighting Latino Construction Businesses and Workforce Development
-
7 Creative Things to Do With Your Backyard
-
Easy Fitness Routines You Can Do at Home
-
HKA Enterprises is Powering the Skilled Trades That Are Moving the U.S. Economy Forward
-
New Guide Titled "Gold Proof Coins vs Uncirculated Coins: Are Gold Proof Coins a Good Investment" Released
-
Obama blasts Trump's 'chaos and cruelty' while campaigning for Democrats
-
Jorge Martin out of Australian MotoGP with fracture: team
-
Bolsonaro leads Lula in final Brazil election polls
-
Antonelli storms to US Grand Prix pole on weekend he can take title
-
Antonelli storms to pole for US Grand Prix
-
Apologetic Alvarez fires Atletico to win against Deportivo
-
Alvarez fires Atletico to win against Deportivo
-
Lens beat PFC in Ligue 1 matchday impacted by social unrest
-
Japan's Nakai wins Grand Prix de France for second straight year
-
Valkyries hit back against Dream to level WNBA Finals
-
Ronaldinho to make comeback in Italian third tier
-
'Fighting for our rights': Paris protesters determined to march on
-
Israeli forces displace Hebron families after deadly attack
-
Clashes break out in Paris, other French cities amid fresh protests
-
Hamilton on top with Antonelli fourth in final practice at US Grand Prix
-
Spurs seal rare win at Chelsea as Palmer sees red
-
Beier late show sends Dortmund top of Bundesliga
-
Nearly 1,000 arrested in French protests marred by 'elevated' violence: minister
-
Police and protesters clash again at Albanian anti-government rally
-
France extends detention of suspected racist shooter
-
Arteta hails mentality as Arsenal go level with Man City
-
Andrade and Nemour star as Biles cheers at world gymnastics champs
-
Clashes break out in Paris, other cities amid fresh protests
-
Nigeria's Tinubu defends record as economy bites ahead of election
British and Irish Lions to make historic first women's tour of New Zealand
The British and Irish Lions will send a women's team on tour for the first time with a historic trip to New Zealand for a three-Test series in September 2027.
The inaugural women's Lions tour will feature three clashes against the Black Ferns.
New Zealand have won six of the last seven women's World Cups, including the most recent edition in 2022 - postponed by Covid from 2021 - when over 42,000 spectators filled Eden Park in Auckland to see them beat England 34-31 in the final.
The women's Lions tour will not overlap with that year's men's World Cup and will include warm-up fixtures, but the full schedule has yet to be finalised.
"Playing three Test matches against the current world champions, the Black Ferns in New Zealand, in front of thousands of fans represents the ultimate challenge and makes for a fantastic sporting spectacle," British and Irish Lions chief executive Ben Calveley said on Tuesday.
"We look forward to working with all our stakeholders including New Zealand Rugby to finalise an exciting inaugural tour."
Men's Lions tours have taken place since 1888, usually every four years and featuring squads comprised of players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
The decision to make a first women's Lions tour is a key development in the future of female international rugby.
England, who would likely supply the bulk of the touring party, currently top the global women's rankings ahead of second-placed New Zealand.
"When the opportunity arose to be part of history and have the honour of hosting the inaugural British & Irish Lions Women's Tour, we knew we wanted to be part of it," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said.
"Women's rugby is growing at pace in New Zealand and following the success of the Rugby World Cup in 2022, we know the excitement world-class competition can generate."
The next men's Lions tour will be to Australia in 2025 under newly-appointed head coach Andy Farrell.
Ch.Havering--AMWN