Interest
Insights | June 2025
Lions usher in new leadership ahead of pivotal summer tours
March 2025 marked the appointment of Carol Isherwood OBE as the inaugural Chair of the Lions Women’s Committee.
Now, as the British and Irish men’s teams face high-stakes summer tours, the Lions programme enters a crucial period on both fronts — with eyes on the present, and the path to 2027.
As the Lions faced Argentina to kick off the Summer Tour on 20th June before flying out to Australia ready for the first game on 28th June at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the spotlight on player performance intensifies; not just for immediate national outcomes, but for what it may signal ahead of the next British & Irish Lions men’s tour. At the same time, another chapter in Lions history has quietly begun to unfold, one led by Carol Isherwood and the newly formed Women’s Committee.
British Lions verses Argentina - June 2025
Source: www.lionsrugby.com
A pioneer of the women’s game and former captain of both England and Great Britain, Isherwood’s appointment earlier this year is not only historic but timely. Her leadership arrives as both the men’s and women’s Lions programmes move into a defining phase, with the men’s 2025 tour looming and the inaugural women’s tour to New Zealand scheduled for September 2027.
The concept of a women’s Lions tour has been discussed for years. Notably, in 2001, there were plans for a British and Irish ‘Lionesses’ tour to Australia. Organisers anticipated that such a tour would significantly boost women’s rugby, especially with approximately 17,000 fans expected to travel from the UK. However, despite the potential benefits, the tour was ultimately cancelled, highlighting the challenges women’s rugby faced in gaining equal recognition.
But in 2027 all that will change. Isherwood’s impact is already being felt across the sport. From her grassroots beginnings in Manchester to her OBE, Hall of Fame induction, and now her position at the helm of a groundbreaking Lions initiative, she embodies the same excellence and determination currently being demanded of the men on tour
Source: World Rugby Hall of Fame
Source: The World Rugby Museum
The establishment of a women’s Lions team and their upcoming tour signifies a monumental step forward for women’s rugby. It not only provides a platform for female athletes to showcase their talents on an international stage but also underscores the sport’s commitment to gender equality. As women’s rugby continues to grow in popularity and professionalism, the 2027 Lions tour is poised to inspire a new generation of players and fans alike.
The inaugural British & Irish Lions women’s tour represents a historic milestone in rugby history. With dedicated leadership, substantial investments in player development, and the support of the global rugby community, the 2027 tour promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the skill, dedication, and passion of women in rugby.
British Lions - June 2025
Source: www.lionsrugby.com
While the men battle it out down south, the Lions’ broader vision is clear: build a united, elite programme across both men’s and women’s teams. This summer is not just about scorelines, it’s about momentum, legacy, and alignment.
The Lions, it seems, are roaring louder than ever
- from the pitch to the boardroom.