British & Irish Lions form committee to explore feasibility of women's team

The British and Irish Lions have announced the formation of a 13-member committee to explore the feasibility of a Women's team.

The 13-person will be chaired by former former British & Irish Lion, Ieuan Evans, and is made up of administrators from across professional rugby, business executives with a history in sponsoring rugby, as well as former international sportspeople.

The study which is being funded by Lions Global Partner, Royal London, who are also the inaugural ‘Principal Partner’ of the Women’s Lions programme will oversee and contribute towards a feasibility study which will seek to ascertain whether a Women’s Lions team could be formed.

“We are excited to have put together such a stellar list of individuals who I know will add value to this project,” said Calveley.

“I believe a Women’s Lions team is a huge opportunity, but there are a number of challenges to consider when looking to create a successful women’s set-up. Financial viability, suitable opposition and appropriate scheduling in the women’s rugby calendar will all need rigorous analysis, research and careful consideration.

“We are very grateful to be working with a purpose-driven organisation like Royal London on this initiative. Our broader commercial family – including Sky, Vodafone and Canterbury – have also committed to provide their expertise and play an active role in the feasibility analysis.”

Committee Members:

• Ieuan Evans MBE (Chair) – British & Irish Lion and The British & Irish Lions board member
• Ben Calveley – managing director, The British & Irish Lions
• Susie Logan – group chief marketing Officer, Royal London
• Joanna Manning-Cooper – group director of corporate affairs, Sky
• Max Taylor – consumer director, Vodafone
• Simon Rowe – head of global sports marketing, Canterbury
• Sue Day MBE – chief operating & financial officer, RFU and RFU Board, Rugby Football Union
• Anthony Eddy – director of Sevens and women’s rugby, Irish Rugby Football Union
• Gemma Fay – head of girls & women’s strategy, Scottish Rugby
• Hannah John – women’s high-performance lead (acting), Welsh Rugby Union
• Nicky Ponsford – women’s high-performance manager, World Rugby
• Shaunagh Brown – senior player, Harlequins Women and England
• Niamh Briggs – senior player, Munster and Ireland, club coach and Garda Síochána (Police) Officer

We've announced the formation of a feasibility steering group which will examine whether a Women’s Lions team can be formed. #LionsRugby

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— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) October 12, 2021