Women’s Rugby reached a landmark moment on Thursday as Jo Yapp was officially appointed head coach of the first-ever women’s British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand in 2027. The historic announcement marks a major step forward for the women’s game, with one of Rugby’s most iconic institutions preparing to launch its inaugural women’s tour against the world champion Black Ferns.
Yapp, a former England captain and one of the most respected figures in women’s rugby, will lead a combined squad featuring the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The 2027 tour will include three Test matches against New Zealand, widely regarded as one of the toughest assignments in international rugby. Her appointment is seen as both a reward for years of contribution to the sport and a statement of intent from the British & Irish Lions as they expand into the women’s game for the first time in history.
“To lead the first British & Irish Lions women’s team is an incredible honour and something I’m immensely proud of. The Lions represent 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.”
The 46-year-old was selected ahead of several high-profile candidates, including England head coach John Mitchell. The New Zealander had publicly expressed his interest in leading the historic tour after guiding England to Women’s Rugby World Cup success in 2025. However, the Lions ultimately placed their faith in Yapp’s extensive experience across both domestic and international women’s rugby.
According to reports from the British & Irish Lions organisation, Yapp will begin working part-time with the Lions setup from July before taking a sabbatical from her current role at the Rugby Football Union next year to focus fully on preparations for the tour.
Currently serving as head of women’s pathway development at the RFU, Yapp has steadily built an impressive coaching resume since retiring from professional rugby in 2009. She initially coached England’s Under-20 side before joining Worcester Warriors Women as skills coach. Her impact at Worcester led to her promotion as head coach, a position she held until the club folded in 2023 amid financial difficulties affecting English rugby.
Yapp’s reputation grew significantly during her spell with Australia’s women’s national team, the Wallaroos. She became the first female head coach in the team’s history and guided Australia to the WXV2 title in 2024. That success secured qualification for the 2025 Rugby World Cup, where the Wallaroos reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual runners-up Canada.
Her achievements in Australia further strengthened her standing as one of the leading coaches in the women’s game globally. Yapp was also one of only three female head coaches at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, highlighting the gradual increase in female leadership within elite rugby environments.
As a player, Yapp enjoyed an outstanding international career with England. She earned 70 caps for the Red Roses and represented her country at three Rugby World Cups. Two of those campaigns ended heartbreakingly in final defeats to New Zealand in 2002 and 2006, experiences she believes will help prepare her for the challenge awaiting the Lions in New Zealand.
“I know from experience how challenging it is to face the Black Ferns on home soil,” she said, “but that challenge is exactly what makes this tour so exciting. There is an enormous amount of talent across the four unions and I’m looking forward to bringing together the very best players to represent the Lions in 2027.”
The significance of the appointment was emphasised by Carol Isherwood, chair of the Lions women’s committee, who described it as a defining moment for the future of women’s rugby. “This is a hugely significant appointment for women’s rugby and an exciting new chapter in Lions history.”“Jo brings outstanding experience, leadership and understanding of the women’s game and I have no doubt she will play an important role in bringing together and leading the very best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.”
British & Irish Lions chief executive Ben Calveley also praised Yapp’s credentials and vision for the future of the women’s programme. “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.”
“The selection process was rigorous, competitive and international in scope as befitting the significance of this historic appointment. For a moment that represents such a step forward for the game, it was important to us that this appointment serves our desire to grow and support all aspects of the women’s game including the promotion of female coaches.”
“We are delighted to appoint Jo, who we believe will excite players and fans alike as we continue to build towards New Zealand in 2027.”
The launch of the women’s British & Irish Lions has been widely celebrated across the rugby world and is expected to become one of the most important developments in the sport’s modern era. With increasing investment, growing fan interest and rising standards in women’s rugby globally, the 2027 tour is already being viewed as a transformative event that could elevate the profile of the women’s game to unprecedented heights.
