Fixture details have been revealed for the Howden British and Irish Lions Women’s Series in New Zealand in 2027.
The five-match tour, the first ever by the women’s British and Irish Lions, will start in Whangārei on September 4 and end with the third and final Test against the Black Ferns in Christchurch on September 25.
Five cities have been chosen to showcase this historic rugby event and, alongside Whangārei and Christchurch, games will also be played in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington.
Across the five venues – Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, Go Media Stadium in Auckland, FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, Sky Stadium in Wellington and One NZ Stadium in Christchurch – over 124,000 fans will have the opportunity to see a Test or a tour game in person.
Ben Calveley, CEO of the British and Irish Lions, said: “This is a hugely significant milestone for the British and Irish Lions. This announcement makes our first ever tour feel closer for everyone, from fans planning their trip to players dreaming of pulling on the Lions jersey.
“New Zealand will offer a fantastic stage and we are excited to take the Howden British and Irish Lions Women’s Series from North to South and create something truly special for the women’s game.”
Opposition for the non-Test matches throughout the month will start with the Black Ferns XV, before an Invitational XV team will face the Lions in Hamilton. Kick-off times for all matches will be announced later this year.
Acting CEO of New Zealand Rugby Steve Lancaster says the tour has been designed by NZR and the British and Irish Lions in collaboration to make sure fans and players are seeing as much of the nation as possible and bringing rugby to multiple cities and venues.
“Lions tours are something truly special and we want this experience for players and fans alike,” he said.
“Starting in the North and finishing in the South was a deliberate decision to make sure as many parts of the country can get involved in this incredible event as possible while also making sure visiting fans have the chance to see many of the places that make New Zealand unique.
“Being in iconic New Zealand venues and seeing international rugby of this calibre is going to make this an unmissable experience and I’d encourage fans to start making plans to be part of this inaugural tour.”
Details of a pre-tour fixture will be released in the coming months.
Howden British and Irish Lions Women’s Series 2027 fixtures (kick off times TBC, Tests in bold)
September 4, Whangārei, Semenoff Stadium, v Black Ferns XV
September 11, Auckland Go Media Stadium v Black Ferns
September 14, Hamilton, FMG Stadium Waikato v Invitational XV
September 18, Wellington, Sky Stadium, v Black Ferns
September 25, Christchurch, One NZ Stadium, v Black Ferns