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Lions Confirm Dates and Venues for First Women’s Tour to New Zealand in 2027

The itinerary favors mid-sized stadiums over Eden Park, signaling a tailored launch for the women’s team.

Overview

  • A five-match schedule is set for September 4–25, 2027 across Whangārei, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch, featuring a three-Test series against the Black Ferns.
  • Auckland’s Test will be played at Go Media Stadium rather than Eden Park, with the final Test booked for Christchurch’s new One NZ Stadium.
  • The tour opens with a match against a Black Ferns XV in Whangārei and includes a midweek fixture versus an Invitational XV in Hamilton.
  • The Lions will appoint their head coach in 2026 with leadership seeking strong female representation, while New Zealand have named Whitney Hansen as Black Ferns head coach through 2027.
  • Discussions have been held about a possible pre-tour game against France, and the schedule overlaps with men’s World Cup warm-ups as observers weigh competitiveness with New Zealand rebuilding and England dominant.