Jo Yapp has been named the first head coach of the British & Irish Lions Women’s team for their inaugural tour in New Zealand in 2027. [1, 2] The 46-year-old former England scrum-half, who earned 70 caps and played in three World Cups, will lead the team on a historic journey starting in September next year. [1, 2]
The tour will begin with a warm-up match against a Black Ferns XV on September 4 in Whangarei. This will be followed by three Tests hosted in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. [1, 2] Yapp stated, "To lead the first ever British and 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." [1, 2]
Yapp brings considerable coaching pedigree to the role, having guided Australia to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. [1, 2] She will begin working part-time for the Lions from July 2026 and take a full sabbatical from her role at the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to coach full-time from January 2027. [1, 2]
British & Irish Lions CEO Ben Calverley praised Yapp’s "breadth of experience across the UK club game and the international women's game in the southern hemisphere," calling her vision for uniting players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales "hugely compelling." [1] Carol Isherwood, chair of the Lions women’s committee, described the appointment as "a hugely significant appointment for women’s rugby and an exciting new chapter in Lions history," adding that Yapp will be key to leading the best talent from the four nations. [2]
Yapp was chosen over England head coach John Mitchell, who had expressed interest in the post. [2] New Zealand’s team will be led by Whitney Hansen, appointed head coach of the Black Ferns women’s team in December 2025. [2]
The full coaching staff for the Lions Women’s tour has not yet been announced. [2]
Yapp’s part-time appointment begins in July 2026, moving to full-time from January before the September 2027 tour kicks off with the warm-up match in Whangarei. [1, 2]
