Lions Women to face France in historic Cardiff clash

The British & Irish Lions Women will face France at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on August 27, 2027, in the first match ever played by a Lions Women’s team ahead of their inaugural tour to New Zealand.

France to provide historic first opposition

Jo Yapp’s side will meet France in the Howden Lions Women’s Cup, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30pm.

The fixture will provide the Lions Women with a high-level test before they travel to New Zealand, where their tour begins against a Black Ferns XV in Whangarei in September.

The first of three Tests against the Black Ferns follows in Auckland on September 11, with further Tests scheduled for September 18 and September 25.

“There are moments in sport that only come around once - and this is one of them,” Yapp said. “For our British & Irish Lions Women’s team to step onto the field for the first time, on home soil and in front of our fans, is going to be incredibly special.”

Lions return to Cardiff

The Principality Stadium last hosted a British & Irish Lions match in 2005, when the men’s side drew 25-25 with Argentina before travelling to New Zealand.

Yapp said France would offer the type of demanding opposition required before facing the Black Ferns, highlighting their defensive intensity and attacking threat.

"France are the ideal team for an occasion like this. They bring a relentless defence and a real edge in attack. That’s exactly the challenge that we need before heading to New Zealand."

The inaugural tour will feature five matches across New Zealand, including three Tests against the Black Ferns, with the final Test taking place in Christchurch on September 25.