Jo Yapp named first Lions Women's head coach

Jo Yapp has been appointed head coach of the first British & Irish Lions Women’s Team ahead of the landmark 2027 tour to New Zealand, where the Lions will face the Black Ferns in a three-Test series.

The British & Irish Lions confirmed Yapp’s appointment for the inaugural Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s Series, marking a historic step for the women’s game across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Yapp will take a sabbatical from her role as Head of Women’s Pathway at England Rugby. She will begin working part time with the Lions from July before taking on the position full time from January.

British And Irish Lions Women’s Tour To New Zealand

The 2027 tour will be staged in New Zealand and will include three Tests against the Black Ferns, along with a programme of pre-Test fixtures. A pre-tour fixture is also expected to be confirmed later this year.

Lions CEO Ben Calveley said Yapp’s experience across the UK club game and the international women’s game made her an outstanding candidate.

“We are delighted to announce Jo Yapp as Head Coach of The British & Irish Lions Women’s Team for the 2027 Tour to New Zealand.

“Jo’s breadth of experience across the UK club game and the international women’s game in the southern hemisphere made her an outstanding candidate for this role.

"Her vision for bringing together players from the four Unions was hugely compelling, and we are thrilled to welcome her on board".

Jo Yapp Coaching Career And Rugby Experience

Yapp won 70 caps for England and represented the Red Roses at three Women’s Rugby World Cups before moving into coaching.

Her coaching career includes roles with England Under-20s Women, Worcester Warriors Women and the Barbarians. She also led the Australian women’s national team at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

Yapp said leading the first Lions Women’s Team was an “incredible honour” and described the New Zealand tour as a chance to create something special for the future of women’s rugby.

"It was an honour to be appointed to the role.

“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".