Jo Yapp Named Head Coach For First Ever Women’s British & Irish Lions Tour

A landmark moment in rugby history has officially arrived.

Former England captain Jo Yapp has been appointed as the head coach for the:

First-ever Women’s British & Irish Lions tour

which will take place in New Zealand in 2027.

The announcement is a huge milestone for the women’s game and another major sign of how rapidly women’s rugby continues to grow globally.

Historic Moment For Women’s Rugby

The creation of a women’s British & Irish Lions team has been discussed for years.

Now, it is finally becoming reality.

The 2027 tour to New Zealand will bring together the best players from:

• England
• Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

to form a combined Lions squad for the very first time in women’s rugby history.

And leading that historic team will be Jo Yapp.

Who Is Jo Yapp?

Jo Yapp is one of the most respected figures in women’s rugby.

The former England international captain has built an impressive coaching reputation over recent years and is currently the:

Head of Women’s Pathway at the RFU

Her appointment reflects both her leadership qualities and growing influence within the modern game.

Strong Coaching Credentials

Yapp’s coaching stock rose significantly after guiding:

Australia Women

to the quarter-finals of the recent Rugby World Cup.

Despite facing difficult competition, the Wallaroos showed major progress under her leadership and earned praise for their development and attacking ambition.

Her ability to build culture, develop players, and manage elite environments made her a standout candidate for the Lions role.

Why This Appointment Matters

The significance of this decision goes far beyond one coaching role.

This is a defining moment for:

• Women’s rugby
• The British & Irish Lions brand
• International rugby growth
• The professional women’s game

For decades, the Lions concept has been one of rugby’s most iconic traditions.

Now, women’s rugby will finally have its own version of that historic experience.

A Huge Step Forward For The Women’s Game

The establishment of a women’s Lions tour reflects the incredible rise of women’s rugby in recent years.

Attendances, television audiences, sponsorship, and player standards have all increased dramatically.

Major events such as:

• The Women’s Six Nations
• Rugby World Cups
• Premiership Women’s Rugby
• WXV competitions

have helped drive unprecedented growth.

The Lions project now adds another massive chapter.

Why New Zealand Is The Perfect Destination

There may be no bigger challenge in women’s rugby than touring:

New Zealand

The Black Ferns remain one of the sport’s most successful and respected teams.

A Lions tour there guarantees:

• Huge global attention
• Elite-level rugby
• Historic atmospheres
• Massive commercial interest

It could become one of the defining moments in the history of women’s rugby.

What Jo Yapp Will Bring To The Lions

Yapp is highly regarded for several key qualities:

Player Development

Helping young talent progress quickly.

Leadership

Creating strong team culture.

Tactical Understanding

Building organised, modern attacking systems.

International Experience

Understanding the pressures of elite rugby environments.

Those strengths will be crucial when combining players from four different nations into one squad.

Selection Debate Already Beginning

Although the tour remains some time away, excitement is already building around potential Lions selections.

Players from across the Home Nations will now dream of becoming:

The first women’s British & Irish Lions

That alone adds huge significance to upcoming international competitions.

What The Women’s Lions Could Mean Long-Term

If successful, the tour could completely transform the women’s game commercially.

Potential long-term impacts include:

• Increased investment
• Bigger broadcasting deals
• Expanded international calendars
• Higher player salaries
• Greater global visibility

The Lions brand carries enormous prestige in rugby.

Bringing that to the women’s game could accelerate growth even further.

Questions Fans Are Asking

Who is coaching the women’s British & Irish Lions?

Former England captain Jo Yapp has been named head coach.

When is the first women’s Lions tour?

The first women’s British & Irish Lions tour will take place in 2027.

Where will the women’s Lions tour go?

The Lions will tour New Zealand.

Who is Jo Yapp?

Jo Yapp is a former England captain and current RFU women’s pathway head.

Final Thoughts

Jo Yapp’s appointment as head coach of the first-ever women’s British & Irish Lions team is a historic moment for rugby.

Her coaching experience, leadership qualities, and recent success with Australia made her a standout choice for one of the biggest jobs in the women’s game.

More importantly, the announcement represents another major step forward for women’s rugby globally.

A women’s Lions tour to New Zealand in 2027 has the potential to become one of the most important moments the sport has ever seen.