British & Irish Lions announce fixtures for first women's tour

The British and Irish Lions women's team announced Wednesday they will play five matches in New Zealand, including three Black Ferns tests, during their first ever tour in September 2027.

The tour was first announced in January 2024 with confirmation of the match schedule and host cities to be confirmed.

Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch have now been confirmed to host matches, with the Lions playing tour matches against a Black Ferns XV and an invitational side during the tour.

Their first test against the Black Ferns will be in Auckland, but at Mt Smart Stadium rather than the famed Eden Park.

The remaining two test matches will be at Sky Stadium in Wellington and One NZ Stadium in Christchurch.

"This is a hugely significant milestone for the British & Irish Lions," Lions chief executive Ben Calveley said in a statement.

"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 Rugby's acting chief executive Steve Lancaster said the tour would be "truly special".

British & Irish Lions Women's Series fixtures:

September 4: v Black Ferns XV, Whangarei

September 11: First test v Black Ferns, Auckland

September 14: v Invitational XV, Hamilton

September 18: Second test v Black Ferns, Wellington

September 25: Third test v Black Ferns, Christchurch