Lions coach Yapp wants elite players on NZ tour
Jo Yapp, the new head coach for the British and Irish Lions women's team, plans to select the best possible squad for their inaugural tour of New Zealand in 2027, even if it means a heavy weighting towards dominant England players. She is also focused on quickly assembling a trusted coaching team, drawing advice from men's Lions coach Andy Farrell.
Why it matters
This marks a significant step for women's rugby with the first British and Irish Lions women's tour, setting a precedent for future tours and potentially influencing the development and recognition of women's rugby globally.
British and Irish Lions women's head coach Jo Yapp has resolved to pick the best possible squad for the inaugural tour of New Zealand next summer - a stance that could mean the group is heavily weighted towards world champions England.
Standard sports reporting, focused on facts and quotes from involved parties without overt political or ideological framing.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in