Jo Yapp named head coach for historic first women's British & Irish Lions tour

Jo Yapp has been named head coach for the first women’s British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2027. She is head of the women’s pathway at the Rugby Football Union and previously led Australia to the last eight of the Rugby World Cup. Yapp will work part-time for the Lions from July, then take a sabbatical from her RFU role next year to go full-time. The tour is scheduled for September and includes three Tests against the Black Ferns. New Zealand will be led by Whitney Hansen, appointed in December 2025. The Lions women’s committee chair described the appointment as a significant step for women’s rugby and a new chapter in Lions history.

"To lead the first-ever British & Irish Lions women's team is an incredible honour and something I'm immensely proud of. The Lions represents the very best of our sport and this tour to New Zealand is an opportunity to create something truly special and help shape the future of women's rugby for years to come."

"The 46-year-old will work part-time for the Lions from July before taking a sabbatical from her RFU role next year to go full-time. The rest of the coaching staff, selected from the four home nations, has yet to be confirmed. The Lions will tour in September next year with the schedule including three Tests against the Black Ferns."

"Carol Isherwood, the chair of the Lions women's committee, said: This is a hugely significant appointment for women's rugby and an exciting new chapter in Lions history. Jo brings outstanding experience, leadership and understanding of the women's game and I have no doubt she will play an important role in bringing together and leading the very best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales."

"Jo Yapp has been named the head coach for the first women's British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2027. The former England captain is the head of the women's pathway at the Rugby Football Union and led Australia to the last eight of last year's Rugby World Cup."

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